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 Annamaria Pedulla, Radiation Therapist MRT(T), BSc from TBRHSC Regional Cancer Centre.
Can you describe your current role and area of practice within medical radiation technology?
My current role is a radiation therapist in Thunder Bay’s Cancer Centre. I assist patients when they are prescribed radiation for their cancer journey, guiding them through side effects, what to expect for treatment and making sure they always have a smiling face.
What originally led you to pursue a career as an MRT?
I initially found the career because I really enjoyed math and physics during my initial undergrad, and wanted a career in health care, still engaging with people.
How long have you been working in the profession, and how has your role evolved over time?
I have been a radiation therapist for almost 9 years. I began my career in a part-time clinical informatics role in Thunder Bay. I then moved to a full-time therapist role in Saskatchewan, where I spent 7.5 years of my career learning from a great group in Regina who welcomed this born-and-raised Ontario girl. I eventually came home to Thunder Bay for a full-time position to be closer to family. My role evolved over time as new technology became available. I assisted in precepting new students as they trained and occasionally took on leadership roles.
What does a typical day look like for you in your department or clinic?
A typical day involves starting up the linear accelerator, prepping for the day and then calling patients for their treatment to bring them into the room. Most appointments only take 15 mins, but as a therapist, you build rapport with patients since they come daily for up to 7 weeks. This involves not only communication about side effects, but also who the patients are as individuals.
What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding?
I find building relationships with patients the most rewarding, helping them on a journey no one wants to be on. I hope to make each patient’s time in radiation a time without fear and to bring light to a dark time through a smiling, caring face.
What is your favourite part about being an MRT?
The patients and the ever-changing technology. No two days are exactly the same. And you can’t forget the snacks, specifically chocolate and Thunder Bay Persians (to be very specific).
