1. What first sparked your interest in pursuing a biology major, and eventually a career as a biology professor?
My natural talents always were in the areas of math/science... I chose my undergraduate degree based upon that (for the most part). I had originally started with Biology major and Mathematics minor... but the work load was pretty substantial and I was playing basketball at my undergraduate institution (which took MUCH time away from my studies). By the second semester of my sophomore year, I abandoned the math minor to keep my sanity :). With regard to teaching, I had actually mentioned my interest in teaching to my undergraduate advisor. She was VERY unsupportive and told me teaching would be a waste of my talent... and forced me into the medical school path. Once at my doctoral institution (Loyola Medical School), I knew that teaching was what I needed to do... and, with a whole lot of work, things eventually fell into place from there.
2. What obstacles did you encounter while trying to get your degree?
I was actually pretty fortunate insofar as no serious obstacles stood in my way (other than the substantial work load, limited time, extracurricular activities like basketball, and other "normal" stuff that all science majors experience). I had earned a full-ride scholarship - so my grades had to be exemplary - and I was a Resident Assistant in the dorm, in addition to my basketball commitments. Like all undergrads... I had much to do and little time to do it. You just learn to deal with things as they come, realize that complaining about what you need to do only takes time away from doing those things, and learn to develop short term goals to compliment your long term dream(s).
3. How did you overcome those obstacles?
I just developed a solid work ethic and great time management skills... I also learned to be patient, not expect everything to fall in place when I wanted it, and reminded myself I was not the only person on the planet who was struggling.
4. Have you ever thought of a career as an ultrasound technician? Why or why not?
I was never really informed about all the possibilities that were open to Biology majors - so, ultrasound tech was never on my radar. My undergraduate advisor was determined to get me to medical school and that was all I was ever exposed to. When I came to Lewis, I made sure our students had as many opportunities as I could secure for them - and I am committed to making students decide the career that is the best "fit" for them (both personally and intellectually speaking). In the end, though, I personally think any of the health professions would have been of interest to me - they all, on some level, involve helping others, which is a priority of mine.
5. Did you have a knack for biology and the material, or was it very difficult for you to grasp at first? If so, when did it get easier?
To be honest, science/math has always been second nature to me. I am a very linear thinker and see connections between things rather easily. I will admit things got more difficult when I got to medical school (particularly in classes that were of little interest to me). However, I learned patience and perseverance in those courses... and those traits have served me just as well as anything.
6. If you could go back, would you change anything about your experience or study habits?
I was never one to procrastinate - and that was a key to my success. I was a busy kid in grade school/high school - always in athletics, always had a job, always excelled in school. I learned early on that waiting to do something never was a "good thing" as it generally meant that I would have more work to do in a smaller time frame. As the work needed to be done, no matter what I did, I figured I'd get things done early (and done well) and give myself time to breathe afterward :).
7. What qualities and skills do you think being an ultrasound technician entails?
I think any career in health care will require patience (you are working with people - often sick people - and they might not always be happy when you deal with them). You will need to have empathy and good listening skills... and, above all else, you will need to know that you will see much failure (disease/death are going to be part of your "everyday" existence). I think that final aspect is the most difficult thing to comprehend at a young age. We often see health care practitioners as "healers" when, in actuality, they see more than their fair share of loss. Yes, you will also need to be intelligent, organized, and an effective communicator... however, those
traits mean nothing if you do not have a kind, compassionate heart as well.
8. Are you satisfied with your chosen career path?
Beyond words, yes. I would not change a thing, even on the worst day.
9. Would you recommend your career/degree to others questioning their future career?
Only to people with the "right" personality - and, in my opinion, those personalities aren't as common as you would hope.
10. What do you think are some of sonography's greatest contributions to the medical field?
As with any diagnostic tool, sonography gives health care practitioners another means by which to diagnose and, in some cases, treat/cure disease in a more accurate manner. Furthermore, sonography is a relatively pain-free procedure with little risk to the patient population.
11. Do you agree or disagree strongly with any of the aspects of a sonography career? Why or why not?
There is nothing "negative" I can think of regarding this profession. It is a great career for people who want to balance a rewarding career with a family/social life. If you want balance in your world (which I think many of our students do), this is a great way to make a living, helping people as well as providing time for yourself/your family at the same time.
12. What do you think is the most beneficial part about being an ultrasound technician?
The fact that you can help people without losing yourself in the process (a rarity in many health care professions).
13. How would you suggest students networks themselves? Where is a good place to start an internship or find a mentor?
I would suggest working with our partners (Northwestern, for example) and scheduling a time to go downtown to the hospital and shadow. They are more than happy to help you learn more about the field and meet the people who will be your peers.
14. In what ways can a career in the medical field make someone a better person?
I don't necessarily know that health care will make you a better person. If anything, if you are not a great person (kind, loving, caring, compassionate, selfless) - you will never be allowed to work in the health professions (at least in the current environment). I know that people see health care as a way to make lots of money and have a position of power/prestige. Nothing is further from the truth. Yes, you will make money... but you will give much of yourself (time/effort) in the process. In fact, I would dare say, that if you divide the money you make by the inordinate hours you put in (preparing to get into the field as well as working in the field itself), you aren't really making all that much. You have to be someone who understands that the world needs people who care - especially the less fortunate (i.e., the sick) - and, if you are willing to be that person, and have the intellectual capacity and work ethic to go with it, this is the field for you :).
15. Is there any other information you would like to add?
I think you probably have more than you wanted/needed :)... feel free to ask me for any clarification
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