RADIATION THERAPY TECHNOLOGY

Graduated in 2021
Radiation Therapist
Fred Hutch Proton Therapy Center, Seattle

Q: Why did you choose WSU?

A: I love how diverse the Wayne State community is and how much it continues to give back to the city and people of Detroit.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Radiation Therapy Technology?

A: My uncle was undergoing radiation treatment for his cancer diagnosis and one of the things he mentioned that had a positive impact during his journey were the radiation therapists he saw every day for six weeks. At the time I had no idea about the profession. I investigated it and was thrilled to find out that Wayne State had a program.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Jeanetta Greer, who luckily was also our program director. I was fortunate to know and learn from Professor Greer the whole program and I couldn't have made it this far without her. Throughout those two years, she would spend extra time after classes making sure I understood all the material and always provided additional resources if needed. As great as Jeanetta was in the classroom, she was just as great outside of it. The two years I spent in the program were also two of the most challenging years of my personal life and Jeanetta was there to provide emotional support when needed. I can't thank her enough for the positive impact she had on my life and for helping me become the radiation therapist I am today.

Q: Where was your favorite place to study?

A: Definitely the UGL. I probably spent almost every hour of my day there during the week when I wasn't in class. Not only was it my favorite place to study, but I also met some of my lifelong friends in the UGL.

Q: Share some reflections about your time at Wayne State.

A: They were easily some of the best years of my life. I made great friends and built the foundation for a fulfilling career all while being in the middle of a city I love.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: I work in a busy clinic that uses protons, which has many advantages for children undergoing radiation therapy. I think my career highlight thus far is the impact my coworkers and I make every day on the children and their families going through this difficult time.

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Radiation therapists have a unique opportunity to blend the knowledge and skills of mathematics, science and psychology in their daily work. Radiation therapists operate sophisticated radiation equipment to treat malignant tissue, assist in designing cancer treatment through the use of 3D computer-generated calculations, recognize when a patient is having additional medical problems that require a doctor’s attention and provide psychological support for patients who are dealing with the stress of their illness. The bachelor of science in Radiation Therapy Technology is offered through Wayne State’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with an application deadline of Nov. 30.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.