Expanding the Definition of Safety in Medical Imaging:...

Podcast Expanding the Definition of Safety in Medical Imaging: The Role of the RSO July 07, 2026 - William Breeden, Paul Hanny, Christopher Mitchell, CRA

🎧 Subscribe and listen on
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | YouTube

Radiation safety is everywhere in imaging — but rarely in the spotlight.

In this episode of Medical Imaging Matters, host Jason Newmark brings together three experts from across the industry to discuss what radiation safety really looks and why it’s far more collaborative than many realize.

William Breeden (One Physics), Dr. Paul Haney (Banner Health), and Chris Mitchell (Kettering Health) represent different paths into the field, but agree on a common belief: Radiation safety isn’t owned by one person — it’s a team sport.

At its core, the radiation safety officer (RSO) ensures the safe use of radiation for patients and staff. But in practice, their role stretches much further, from training and compliance to equipment oversight, dose monitoring, and real-time problem solving.

More critically, RSOs can’t do it alone. Imaging directors, technologists, physicists, and administrators all play a part. When those relationships are strong, safety programs thrive. When they’re not, gaps appear quickly.

As imaging grows more advanced and new therapies emerge, safety programs must evolve too. For imaging leaders, a path forward involves building strong relationships, distributing responsibility, and fostering a culture where safety belongs to everyone.

Connect with our guests on LinkedIn:

Will Breeden
Dr. Paul Hanny
Chris Mitchell

Special Thanks to One Physics, AHRA Podcast Sponsor

One Physics is the nation's largest outsourced medical physics provider, trusted by over 4,000 clients.

One Physics proudly delivers diagnostic and therapy physics testing services, shielding design, dosimetry badge management, and radiation safety officer services — nationwide. They are experts in all areas related to medical physics and radiation safety.

One Physics partners with clients to ensure they meet state and regulatory standards (ACR, TJC, IAC, RadSite). Learn more about our approach to radiation safety and medical physics at OnePhysics.com.

William Breeden

William Breeden is the chief diagnostic physicist for One Physics.

Paul Hanny

Paul A. Hanny, PhD, DABR, is a dual board-certified medical physicist and radiation safety leader whose career spans more than three decades across healthcare systems, academic medicine, and the United States Air Force. He serves as Banner Health’s corporate radiation safety officer and also holds system-level responsibilities in MRI safety and laser safety, helping guide policy, regulatory compliance, and safety practices across a large multi-facility enterprise.

Dr. Hanny’s professional work reflects broad expertise in therapeutic medical physics, diagnostic imaging physics, nuclear medicine physics, and radiation protection. At Banner Health, he directs radiation safety, MRI safety, and laser safety programs; supports hospitals and clinics with physics expertise; and works closely with physicians, imaging leaders, medical physicists, and executive staff to promote safe, compliant care environments. Earlier, he served as director of medical physics and radiation safety officer for Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix and Banner Desert Medical Center, where he led physics and dosimetry operations and supported advanced radiation oncology services including IMRT, SRS, SBRT, and high-dose-rate brachytherapy.

Christopher Mitchell, CRA

Chris Mitchell, MBA, RT(N), CRA, NMTCB(RS), MRSO, is a leader with 20+ years of experience in healthcare imaging, operations, regulatory compliance, and radiation safety. He has been a nuclear medicine technologist for 36 years and just celebrated his 20th year as a CRA. Radiation safety and the quality and safety aspects of medical imaging and their impact on operations has become a focus of his over the last several years. While others may slow down after 36 years in the field, Chris has become more active in the professional societies, especially AHRA, as he is excited for what is to come in this organization.

Tags: Podcast

More from LINK