RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Graduated from Radiologic Technology in 2015
Graduated from Physician Assistant Studies in 2023

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State?

A: For its location in the heart of Detroit, the amazing opportunities available for students, and for its diversity and culture.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Radiologic Technology?

A: My dream was to work in health care, and I was never sure which avenue I wanted to pursue. After learning about the radiologic technology program during one of my Anatomy & Physiology courses, I paused and thought: This is it. I loved the idea of being the piece of the puzzle between the patient and the doctor by providing imaging to figure out the "why."

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Easily hands down, Kathy Kath was one of my most memorable professors. She had a way of presenting information to her students that was unlike any other instructor. The information made sense and I can still recall what I learned from 10 years ago. If you ask the senior RTs at Henry Ford, they also may recall the infamous Kathy Kath classes.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: My most challenging class would have to be the iconic Radiation Physics & Circuitry class; aka Physics. It is amazing what the mothers and fathers of Radiology had to do to create this amazing field. Learning about the important concepts was definitely a struggle, but luckily, we had an amazing instructor (who will be missed eternally).

Q: Where was your favorite place to study?

A: Our program was unique. We were based out of Henry Ford Hospital Main. If I had a chance to study, I would pick the most obvious location — the 17th floor aka the hospital library. Not only did you have access to unlimited medical resources, the view was overlooking downtown Detroit. It was ideal.

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

A: The university has made such an impact on my life. It has molded me into the health care provider I am today by giving me a first-class education and providing me with the role models I needed to become successful. I am proud to be an alumna.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: The biggest changes in my profession are what radiology can do for patients today. X-ray technology was evolving from plain films to digital radiography. This was evolutionary, as doctors would no longer have to wait minutes- instead, their "films" would appear within seconds. Computed tomography technology has exploded with being able to image something as simple as a brain (as the old school technologists would say) in "30 minutes" to less than 2 minutes! My biggest "wow" factor is imaging a beating heart for cardiologists. It is amazing what this field has done, and these are just tidbits.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: I worked in x-ray for 3 years at Henry Ford Hospital. After, I wanted to learn more, so I worked at Detroit Receiving in their CT department. After a few months, I became the lead CT Technologist. To move closer to where I was living, I then worked at St Joe's Ann Arbor hospital for the next few years where I continued to learn about all of what Cat Scans offer. I felt something was missing, and wanted to do more for my patients and community, so I went back to school and was accepted into the Physician Assistant Studies program at Wayne State where I graduated last year, and now work in the amazing and rewarding field of Hematology and Oncology.

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Radiologic technologists are health care professionals who administer prescribed radiation to help diagnose medical conditions. They perform procedures such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI exams. The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Radiologic Technology program was Michigan’s first accredited bachelor’s degree program in the field. The application deadline is Dec. 15.

The Physician Assistant Studies master of science degree program at the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is focused on the development of highly competent and passionate physician assistants who are deeply committed to practicing in urban and underserved health care settings. It is the highest ranking program in Michigan and among the top 50 programs in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-24. The admission cycle runs from May 1-Sept. 1 for classes beginning the following May. Prospective students can get started by attending a WSU Applebaum information meeting at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. 

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.