Presidential Message
Wow, what a year it has been!
When I reached out to Carmen George and Rebecca Hamm 4 years ago about serving on a LSRT committee, I did not have an officer position in mind (especially not president). And I certainly did not anticipate a year like this past year. However, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for this incredible journey and learning experience.
It has been an honor to serve such a dedicated and passionate community of professionals. I am convinced there is no other community like our community – the radiology community. Although there are more than 7000 licensed and certified technologists and therapists in Louisiana, we are still family. And a RAD family at that!
Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones that have strengthened our society and protected our patients and profession. I am particularly proud of the LSRT for “holding the line” and preserving quality, safe patient care by opposing and testifying not to allow a Rules change for private rad techs to be supervised by a physician remotely.
I am grateful for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Their support for their affiliates is unmatched. The LSRT was selected from a pool by the ASRT allowing Louisiana to have three participants (instead of two) for the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program this year. Congratulations, again, Chris, Kamryn, and Heaven!
Also, the LSRT applied and was selected for the ASRT Affiliate Development Program. As part of this program, the LSRT developed an action plan to recruit members and volunteers, survey our members, improve social media, and the LSRT officers were given access to the ASRT Leadership Academy modules.
Since last July, our membership has increased by 78 members. The LSRT had a successful year, but there is still work to be done. I am motivated by checking things off a list. This past year, I found out there are some things you can check off a list but advocating for patients and our profession is not something any of us should ever check off a list. In Allison Puente’s words, “Advocacy is marathon, not a sprint.” Advocacy takes grit and perseverance – it takes a bulldog mindset.
One of my favorite quotes is “Most people don’t want to be part of the process; they just want to be part of the outcome. But the process is where you figure out who’s worth being part of the outcome.” I encourage every LSRT member to be more active – be part of the process. It’s challenging and requires time, but aren’t your patients worth it?
As I step down, I am confident the LSRT will continue to thrive. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the LSRT Board and members for their unwavering support and commitment to excellence. It is your dedication that makes our society strong.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President. I look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of the LSRT.
Respectfully,
Heather C. Koepp
Heather Koepp, MA, R.T. (R)(ARRT), CHES
2024-2025 LSRT President