Presidential Message
I began my career as a radiologic technologist 27 years ago. Had you asked me then where I envisioned myself nearly three decades later, I would have confidently said I’d be working in CT or diagnostic imaging within a hospital setting. Never could I have anticipated that my professional journey would pivot toward mammography, nor that I would go on to earn a master’s degree and become an assistant professor. And certainly, I never imagined I would one day stand before you as the newly installed president of the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists.
This evolution in my career was not the result of a lack of ambition, but rather a reflection of life’s shifting priorities. In those early years, there were financial responsibilities to meet—student loans to repay, a spouse facing illness, and, before long, children to raise. One of our children would later be diagnosed with autism, adding a new layer of complexity. During that season of life, my time and energy were devoted entirely to my family and to fulfilling my professional duties. While I always held the desire to become more involved with LSRT, I recognized that I could not give the organization the time and attention it deserved. The timing simply wasn’t right—and as we all know, timing is everything.
In 2021, at the LSRT annual meeting, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Rebecca Hamm. She was being installed as president and was seeking individuals willing to serve on committees. After a meaningful conversation about her experiences in leadership and her involvement in LSRT, she graciously invited me to serve on the Nominations and Credentialing Committee. Her belief in my potential reignited a confidence I had not felt in some time. That renewed self-assurance led me to run for secretary in 2022, and I was honored to be elected. Each year thereafter, I continued to seek ways to serve, and now, I stand before you with immense gratitude—as your LSRT president.
Rebecca is just one of many individuals who have inspired me along this journey. In fact, if you take a look around this room today, you’ll see a number of people who have not only inspired me, but who continue to serve as an inspiration to many of you. Almost everyone here knows Greg and Susie. Not only were they once my professors, they are now my colleagues—and occasionally, my personal counseling team. Your unwavering dedication to the profession and to LSRT is nothing short of legendary, and I am truly fortunate to be a recipient of your wisdom, mentorship, and support.
I am also incredibly blessed to work alongside someone who is charting her own remarkable path beyond LSRT: Ally Puente. Ally has made a lasting impact on LSRT and is now beginning an exciting new chapter as CT Delegate to the ASRT. Ally, you are the embodiment of true advocacy in our profession. You always offer thoughtful guidance, and your willingness to share your knowledge and experience is deeply appreciated. Knowing that you’re cheering me on from the sidelines—and ready to lend support whenever needed—gives me strength and confidence.
To Sarah and Heather,
It has been a privilege to serve alongside you over the past four years. Your unwavering passion for advocacy—not only for our profession, but also for service and volunteerism—has truly inspired me. I deeply admire your dedication and leadership. There is still much for me to learn, and I am confident that you will continue to generously share your knowledge, wisdom, and experience.
Liz, Caitlan, Brittany, Kristen, Allee, and all of the Jessicas—
I am truly excited to work alongside you in the year ahead. I look forward to the fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy you each bring to the table. With your talents and dedication, I am confident that together we will accomplish great things and continue to move LSRT forward.
To my husband, Russell—
Who would have thought we’d end up here? I don’t think either of us could have predicted what our life would look like today. We always imagined that, as we grew older, things would slow down—but clearly, the joke is on us.
If I’m being honest, I know I’m the one who keeps things moving. From competing in pageants to earning my master’s degree, changing careers, and beginning this journey with LSRT, I’ve certainly kept you on your toes. And through it all, you have responded with unwavering support and patience.
I am so deeply grateful for you—for your love, your encouragement, and everything you do behind the scenes to help make all of this possible.
As I begin this term, I want to share my vision for LSRT and the role I hope each of us will play in shaping its future. First and foremost, I am deeply committed to advancing advocacy—not just at the state level. Our profession is evolving, and our voice must be heard in the conversations that shape healthcare and the future of imaging. I encourage all of us to become engaged, stay informed, and stand united in representing the interests of technologists and the patients we serve.
Equally important is our commitment to patient care. At the heart of everything we do is the patient, and our responsibility to them extends beyond image acquisition. It involves empathy, communication, safety, and excellence in every encounter. I will work to strengthen educational opportunities, promote best practices, and foster collaboration that elevates the standard of care across all specialties.
Finally, I want to inspire each of you to become more active—in your departments, your communities, and especially within LSRT. Whether you serve on a committee, mentor a student, or simply attend meetings, your involvement matters. Students, you are the future leaders of this profession, and your perspective is both needed and valued.
As Andrea mentioned in her speech, we are not “just” rad techs. Now is the time to change your mindset. Beginning now, incorporate “I am” in your thought process. I’ll start.
I am a mom. I am a sister. I am a daughter. I am a wife. I am changing the world through educating future technologists. I am a licensed radiologic technologist. Lastly, I am your new 2025-2026 LSRT President.
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more impactful LSRT—one that represents the excellence and dedication of every radiologic science professional in Louisiana.
Respectfully,
Monica Weber
Monica Weber, MSRS, R.T. (R)(M)
2025-2026 LSRT President