My path to AHRA can be traced back to several key mentors who have guided me with invaluable resources throughout my career. Discovering AHRA has been one of the most impactful milestones, providing access to a wealth of knowledge and a community that has truly enhanced my professional journey.

As I continue along my radiology leadership path, I recently began a new role as the CT/radiation safety supervisor at Saratoga Hospital in New York. In the midst of the transition, which naturally brought its challenges, I found no shortage of support from every corner of the hospital, from environmental services to senior leadership. One individual who played a crucial role in encouraging my involvement with AHRA was Millie Aviles, our former imaging director. Millie spoke highly of AHRA, being both a member herself and having earned her Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) certification. Her passion for the organization inspired me to explore how I could get involved.

Following Millie’s advice, I registered for AHRA My Way, a virtual networking meeting, eager to make connections and dive into the organization. However, due to patient care needs, I missed the meeting. Determined not to lose momentum, I reached out to Jamie Coder, a contact associated with AHRA My Way and a member of the AHRA Board of Directors. Jamie graciously offered to meet with me virtually, sharing the key takeaways from the meeting I missed. From our first conversation, I could feel Jamie's enthusiasm for AHRA — it was infectious and mirrored the energy I had sensed from Millie and other members.

After our discussion, Jamie and I talked about our mutual focus on radiation protection and safety. I shared that I had signed up for AHRA’s mentorship program but had yet to be connected with a mentor. I asked if Jamie would consider being my mentor, and she happily agreed. Our monthly meetings have been invaluable, with Jamie’s guidance particularly instrumental in helping me receive the AHRA Annual Meeting Scholarship, sponsored by Beekley Medical, which covered the costs for me to attend the AHRA Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, this year.

The Annual Meeting was an extraordinary experience. Not only did I attend alongside our new director of medical imaging at Saratoga Hospital, Jim Pendergast, but I also had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible members of the AHRA community. Some, like me, were new to the organization, while others had been involved for years, including board members and past presidents. The energy at the meeting was contagious, and it reignited my passion for radiology leadership.

The conference featured exceptional keynote speakers and crucial discussions on current and future developments in medical imaging, including regulatory changes that will impact the field. I left the meeting feeling more invigorated than ever about my career and with a renewed drive to contribute not only to my professional growth but also to the AHRA community.

I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received from my mentors and peers, and I look forward to my continued involvement with AHRA. This experience has reinforced my commitment to leadership, mentorship, and growth within the field of medical imaging. I am excited about the future and my role in shaping it with AHRA.