By becoming a radiologic technologist, you are joining a highly satisfying healthcare profession. Radiologic technologists (also known as radiographers or rad techs) love their wide variety of duties at work. Let us have an up-close and personal take from Dan Guiller Galorio Acero II, one of the RadTech instructors of Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. RadTech Program about the joy of being a professional in the RadTech world.
I asked sir Dan a series of questions and here are his answers:
When did you know that you have a calling in the RadTech world?
To be honest, when I graduated from high school, I did not know which course to take. So naturally, I went college hopping to find a suitable course for me. When I reached my alma mater, I decided to take up Nursing since majority of my relatives are nurses. But something felt a bit off with my decision. So I made a blunder and chose a course that’s never been touched by family, that’s how I ended up in Radiologic Technology. At first, it took me quite a while to adjust to the course, especially with all the physics and anatomy subjects. But in the end, I learned to love the course. However, I knew that my calling was different. I was dead-on in accomplishing my degree in Radiologic Technology but I knew that my calling was molding the next generation of Radiologic Technologists instead of being just one. So here I am now, a RadTech instructor.
Can you talk about what a typical day at your current job is like?
Back when I worked as clinic technologist, my work felt like a machine with automation. It was call, shoot, develop, repeat from 7AM-5PM, 6 days a week. I was basically a robot at that point. However, when I got into acaademe, I feel a maestro in an orchestra, guiding musicians to produce beautiful music. A day in my job now is as colorful as the interesting topics that I discuss. Now, my daily routine starts with a cup of coffee and a big smile on my face to greet my students with. As the day progesses, I try to best of my power to keep my voice as enthusiastic and my lessons as interesting as they could get. At the end of the day, I spend a few extra hours of my time to prepare for the next day. Sure, the workload now is far greater than the work I had when I worked clinic hours, but that’s part of the beauty of the job.
Why do you think becoming a Radiologic Technologist is vital to Healthcare?
As they say, Radiologic Technology is the Eye of Medicine. Meaning, medicine would be blind without us, Radiologic Technologists. Imagine all the unnecessary surgeries that would take place just for something as minor as a swallowed one Peso coin. Our profession makes sure that diagnosis of diseases and injuries will remain affordable and easy to access.
What does it take to be a RadTech professional?
Just one word. Imagination. When you are a Radiologic Technologist, you need to imagine first the final image that you need to take. This would include: the positions, the angles, the factors, and equipment needed. All of these combined, with a bit of imagination, that is what a competent RadTech is.
Describe someone in your field whom you find influential. What is so admiring about him/her in your career?
That would be Dr. Theresa Eguia, RRT, MAED, PhD. Other than the years of experience as a Radiologic Technologist under her belt, the way she teaches brings wonder to her students. I could only hope to be a fraction of what she is as a professor and as a RadTech.
I also asked sir Dan if he were to describe X-ray through the lyrics of any song, he jokingly used Jessi’s Zoom and it goes, “I see you looking at my P I C“. When asked to either say YES or NO, sir Dan got these answers for the following:
Is RadTech profession:
(1) physically demanding? – YES
(2) stressful? – YES
(3) rewarding? – Definitely, YES.
Finally, I asked sir Dan, “Do you find your profession meaningful?” He responded by saying, “Overall yes, I have had a very interesting life ever since I started as a RadTech.”
Have you ever thought of getting a career in Radiologic Technology? Enroll now at JMCFI College of Allied Health Sciences and fuel up your Radiologic Technology dreams!