Member Monday – Michael Ro – Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists

22 Jun

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Meet Your Fellow Members

This series celebrates the people behind the profession and offers an opportunity to learn from and connect with MRTs working in a wide range of settings from coast to coast! Every Monday, we’ll introduce you to a different medical radiation technologist from somewhere across Canada.

Know someone we should highlight? Let us know at maiello@camrt.ca

This week’s member spotlight is Michael Ro, FH Regional Practice Specialist General Radiography and Fluoroscopy.

Can you describe your current role and area of practice within medical radiation technology?

I am the Fraser Health Regional Practice Specialist for General Radiography and Fluoroscopy. This role and team are new for Fraser Health, and I started this role back in January. Previously, I was the General Radiography Clinical Educator/Instructor at the Royal Columbian Hospital. In this role, I oversaw clinical practicums for Medical Radiography students.

What originally led you to pursue a career as an MRT?

This was a career change for me. Previously, I worked in the corporate sector at the Winners/HomeSense head office and then in the technology sector back in Toronto. Although lucrative, the technology sector was too volatile. I decided a career in health care would be more stable and fulfilling. I researched which health care profession would be a good balance of education and career mobility. Medical Radiography was the top choice that met those needs.

What does a typical day look like for you in your department or clinic?

As a regional practice specialist, a typical day may not be so straightforward. One day can be spent at a clinical site providing support or helping with training. Another day can be solely focused on a special project. As a clinical educator/instructor, a typical day is spent overseeing and evaluating students in the clinical environment and providing practice and knowledge support for staff. What I appreciate about being an MRT, is that no matter what, no day is the same; there are always new challenges to keep me engaged.

What advice would you give to new MRTs entering the profession today?

Remember to understand the “why,” not just the “how.” Understanding the reasons, underlying principles, and the purposes helps to change our perspective from task-based work to work that is meaningful and allows us to better adapt to new situations, innovate and troubleshoot when problems arise.

What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding?

As a Clinical Educator/Instructor, I saw former students become colleagues, share what they learned with future students, and excel in their careers. In my new role as Regional Practice Specialist, I am now able to support General Radiography teams across Fraser Health and help them grow and be more effective.

What is your favourite part about being an MRT?

As a frontline MRT, I experience the sincere gratitude of patients for helping them along their healthcare journey.