President’s Message

     This time last year, I was on a high point in my life. I had been inducted as your president, attended my first board meeting, and was excited about helping grow our organization while learning the art of advocacy. Life was good. But as we all know, all things must come to an end.

     Within two weeks, I began having more health issues. Within three months, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On December 5th, I underwent a left mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy and tissue expander placement. Just one week later, I received news that one of my lymph nodes had tested positive for metastatic disease.

     Suddenly, I was faced with a difficult decision: do I continue serving as your president, or do I step away and focus on treatment?

     While reflecting on that decision, I remembered my father’s words, “Always finish what you start.” Those words stayed with me. The support, encouragement, and confidence shown by my coworkers, colleagues, and friends reinforced my decision to continue. It would have been easy to step aside and pass the responsibility to the vice president, but that was not a choice I could live with. I knew I had a commitment to fulfill.

     As I conclude my term as LSRT President, I find myself reflecting not only on the vision I shared at the beginning of this journey, but also on the path it took to get here. I may not have been the best president, but I do not regret trying. Through every challenge, I focused on three priorities: advocacy, patient care, and involvement in our profession. Today, I am proud to say those priorities remain just as important, and I am grateful for the progress made.

     Advocacy has always been at the heart of our mission. Over the past year, I have witnessed the passion and dedication of professionals who stepped forward, spoke up, and worked to advance our profession. The legislative efforts surrounding HB 949, which expanded licensure to include the Registered Radiologist Assistant, demonstrated what is possible when we work together. As the bill now awaits the governor’s signature, I want to thank Heather, Ally, Jason, and everyone who contributed their time and effort. Your advocacy has made a lasting impact, and your voices continue to strengthen our profession.

     Our commitment to patient care remains the foundation of everything we do. Every image we acquire represents a patient who has placed their trust in us. The compassion, professionalism, and excellence demonstrated by our members every day continue to elevate the standard of care throughout Louisiana. It has been an honor to serve alongside individuals who are so dedicated to their patients and communities.

      I also challenged each of you to become more involved in LSRT and in our profession. We continue to need your help. Whether through committee service, mentoring students, attending meetings, or supporting advocacy efforts, your involvement strengthens our society. To our students and emerging professionals: your energy, ideas, and enthusiasm can shape the future of LSRT. Never underestimate the impact you can have. Take the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with leaders in our profession. If we do not continue to invest in future generations and volunteer our time and talents, our organization cannot thrive. LSRT is more important now than ever, and I encourage each of you to seriously consider becoming involved.

At the beginning of my term, I shared a message inspired by Andrea’s words: we are not “just” rad techs. We are professionals, educators, leaders, advocates, and caregivers.

     As I leave this office, that message remains as important as ever. Each of us has the ability to make a difference—not only in our profession, but in the lives of the patients we serve and the colleagues we support.

     Thank you for the privilege of serving as your president. Thank you for your encouragement, your trust, and your friendship throughout this journey. The challenges of this year tested me in ways I never expected, but they also reminded me of the strength of this profession and the incredible people who make up the LSRT family.

     It has been an honor to serve you. As I begin the reconstruction phase of my healing journey, I leave this role confident that the future of LSRT is bright because it is in the hands of dedicated professionals like you.

     Together, we have moved our profession forward. Together, we will continue to make a difference. Thank you, and may each of you be blessed.