As I sit at the airport, waiting to take my flight home, I think about how much the AHRA Annual Meeting continues to resonate within me, thanks to the generosity of Beekley Medical.

In my daily routine as medical imaging professionals at the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, Imaging Department, I’m used to a chaotic, busy, short-staffed environment. When it was time to sign up for the AHRA Annual Meeting, I wanted to send my supervisor Alex so she could experience what I have been lucky enough to experience twice before. Our hospital doesn’t typically want managers and supervisors gone at the same time, especially out of state, so we signed her up instead of me.
What she also didn’t know was that I was already over budget in supporting other team members to further their studies. Rather than allocate dollars for me to attend the Annual Meeting, I put that toward others’ educational growth.

I was so excited for Alex, but she couldn’t attend due to family obligations. Everything happened all at once, as everything does in the imaging world. I thought, “Okay, I’ll just pay my own way since I’m over budget.”

That’s when I saw the Annual Meeting Scholarship, five of which are sponsored by Beekley Medical. The ad read, “Register for a chance to win.”

“Why not?” I said, “Other than the fact I never win ANYTHING, I mean comparatively to my husband, whom I’m convinced was born with a horseshoe attached to him.”

Then it happened — I won the AHRA Annual Meeting Scholarship. Oh gosh, I didn’t believe it! I made Alex come read the email so she could confirm that I wasn’t losing my mind. “Nope,” she said, “You won!” I was disappointed Alex couldn’t go, but now I was even more excited that I would have financial assistance to attend.

Fast forward to Sunday, Aug. 4 in Orlando, Florida, at the Annual Meeting. As an introvert, alone and shy, I thought, “Why do I do this to myself?” The answer: these are my people.
The Annual Meeting attracts big hospitals, small hospitals, outpatient clinics, supervisors, managers, directors and vice presidents. You name it, they’re the common thread of patient care, doing what’s right for them, and learning how to take care of ourselves in our leadership roles.

For example, Lori Ordway, chair of the Products and Services Committee, and Tom Wall, chair of the AHRA Education Foundation, took me under their wings. As they’re both from New Jersey, my birth state, I knew it was meant to be. They introduced me to so many people. I begged that I wouldn’t be quizzed later! The faces I had seen at previous conferences, on the website, and even during my committee Zoom meetings, were all right in front of me. I felt more comfortable than I have in the past, thanks to Lori and Tom.

The speakers and sessions had a strong impact on me. They spoke to the struggles we all face and some potential solutions that might help us. There were plenty of sessions to choose from, including ways to help with the design or remodeling of a site, staffing and more. Connecting with vendors and fellow AHRA members was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait until next year!
Being given the Annual Meeting Scholarship, funded by Beekley Medical, means much more as I use the company’s products in mammography. I am honored to be a recipient. Being a mammography technologist for just shy of 30 years also makes this connection to the company incredibly significant. We have been using their mammography skin markers for the past few years, which are an improvement from what we previously used. Instead of a box dispenser, the products come in a clear dispenser with a pink floral print, which our patients love. Beekley’s dedication to our mammography patients makes them number 1 in my book.

This opportunity allowed me to be at a conference that is fashioned for imaging management and helped with my continued growth in leadership. Thank you, Beekley, as your generosity is a wonderful gift.

Finally, to the AHRA Education Foundation: Without your continued support to our profession in management education, new imaging leaders would be struggling as our work evolves and grows. With the encouragement of networking, whether by conference, mentor/mentee availability, and committees, the scholarships you create offer the opportunity for professionals like me to attend an annual conference, purchase the CRA books, or take the CRA certification exam. Thank you for continuing to advocate for us.