Presidential Acceptance Speech
For some time, I have thought about what I would say tonight. A few years ago, I listened to Rebecca’s acceptance speech, then Ally’s, and then Sarah’s. Wow, they all were incredible and so moving. How do I fill their shoes? Then I remembered something one of my former leaders said – she said, “Sure, you have big shoes to fill. But you did not get where you are now in anyone else’s shoes but your own.”
This is something that has stuck with me for many years. Interestingly, her daughter will begin our program next week. It is incredibly humbling to be entrusted with one of my former leader’s daughters, as well as children of alumni from our program.
When I became program director in 2019, again another time I had big shoes to fill. My predecessors were Marsha Talbert, Ms. Judy Bennett, and the infamous Mr. Ken Travis. I have all these people to thank and especially Mr. Ken. I have known Mr. Ken for 30 years. Mr. Ken was my program director and positioning instructor. Now our roles have changed a bit. He calls me “his boss” and I call him “my friend.” He has always encouraged me to be more active in the LSRT and the ASRT, and here I am. I blame Mr. Ken and Carmen for getting me into this.
I would be remiss if I did not mention others who have influenced me throughout my career. Greg, Brett, and Ms. Susie – I’m going to date all of us. But I remember all of you when I was student. Now, I am proud to call you, friends and “colleagues.”
I remember the first time I sent board meeting minutes, and I received a flattering email from “the” Dr. Kelli Haynes. That validation meant so much.
Ms. Sue, thank you for always reminding me that “knowledge is power.”
The first time I heard Dr. Kevin Clark speak, I thought how great it would be to have an educator like him – full of knowledge and lots of humor. He keeps you engaged. So, to be inducted tonight by him is very special.
Look around this room tonight – Greg, Brett, Ms. Susie, Ms. Sue, Kelli, Anne, Charlene, Laura, Tammy, and Jay. There are LSRT legends here.
Michele Sutton, North Oaks President/CEO and Jeff Jarreau, Chief Human Resources Officer. They both have always supported “our little program” in big ways.
Last but certainly not least, my mom, Garrett, and Geoffrey. I think Geoffrey has attended more LSRT meetings than lots of members. Seriously though, Geoffrey knows the love and passion I have for our profession, program, and students and if it is important to me then it is important to him.
God has blessed me with a supportive family and the best job, colleagues, and students. He has given me an opportunity to do what I love. I trust that He put me here tonight – at the right place, at the right time and for the right reasons.
I will not stand here and say that I have always been an active member of the LSRT and ASRT as that would not be the truth. Sure, I was a member of both, but I really did not contribute nor was I actively engaged. Our students participated in the Quiz Bowl, t-shirt, and the essay competitions but that was about it. There is a difference between being a member and being an active, engaged member. Just as there is a difference between hearing and listening.
It has been said that “In complacency lies a slow descent into mediocrity.” This hit hard as I am not okay with mediocrity. I expect more than mediocrity from our students. I do not expect them to be perfect, but I do expect a perfect effort all the time. My goal is for students to graduate as better versions of themselves. So, if this is what I expect and we as educators, instructors, preceptors, managers, and staff technologists expect then this is what we must be.
In our careers, we will surely have days where we lack motivation and complacency is a lot easier than doing and giving more. However, we must stay motivated and driven – we must remember our “why.” Everyone has a different “why” and our “whys” might even change over the years.
Early in my career, if you had asked me about my “why” or who was my “why”, I would have told you Shayna Morgan, a 2004 graduate from our program, and daughter of some dear friends of our family. After unexpectedly losing my dad in a tragic accident in 2002, I did not know how I’d ever walk in the hospital, again. It took months. Three months to be exact. But I had made a promise to my dad that Shayna would finish x-ray school.
As I mentioned, this was early in my career and in the years that followed there were more students and more “whys.” In fact, 273 students or “whys.” Every student has become my “why” as most days I spend as much time or more time with them than I do Garrett. There is something special and unique about our “little program” – and our family.
Today, I will tell you that my “why” is my first cousin, Jason. Jason and I are only 6 weeks apart. Our moms are sisters, and we are more like siblings than cousins. On February 1st this year, Jason was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. The cancer metastasized to his proximal femur and his brain. Since his diagnosis, I have wanted to be at every appointment and in every imaging and treatment room with him.
I wanted to make sure he was receiving the best, safest, quality care by the best healthcare professionals. It did not matter if it was an area outside of my expertise. I just wanted to be there for him. Obviously, that is not possible. But what I can do for Jason and every patient in this state is advocate for them so that they are cared for by licensed, certified imaging and radiation therapy professionals.
It has been said, “be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” I am asking for your help now. Please help me – help the LSRT protect our licensure laws and ensure that if there are proposed rule changes to PRTs who are licensed by the BME that they are in the best interest of our patients.
Help us ensure that all imaging and radiation professionals are licensed by the LSRTBE and certified by the ARRT. Ultimately, I am asking you to help ensure the safety of every single patient in Louisiana.
The ARRT Code of Ethics is “intended to assist registered technologists and candidates in providing for the protection, safety, and comfort of patients.” We must remember our code. We must remember our passion that initially drove us to this profession – you must remember your “why.”
Three years ago, when I reached out to Carmen then Rebecca because I wanted to be more involved in the LSRT, tonight is not exactly what I had in mind. I was thinking serve on a committee or something. Never did I think I would serve as your President. Yet here I am. So, thank you for this incredible opportunity to serve as your 2024-2025 Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists President.
Heather Koepp
2024 – 2025 LSRT President