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 Nicole Watson, RTR, CBIS, CBID, Breast Imaging/Bone Densitometry Supervisor at Royal Columbian Hospital.

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

I currently work as the Breast Imaging Supervisor at Royal Columbian Hospital in British Columbia. Early in my career, I recognized that breast imaging was my most passionate area, and I have since dedicated my practice to this modality. In my current role, I have the opportunity to balance clinical work as a technologist with leadership and management responsibilities. This allows me to influence departmental operations, support and advocate for both patients and technologists, and contribute to meaningful change within the breast imaging profession.

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

My mom! When I was in grade 11, she suggested this profession to me and thought it would be a good fit (and she was very right). I did a high school work experience placement at an X-ray clinic, and I quickly realized this was the career path I wanted to pursue. It offered the ideal combination of technology, creativity, hands-on patient care, and lifelong learning.

How long have you been working in the profession, and how has your role evolved?

I have been working as an MRT for nearly 16 years. Throughout my career, I have gained experience in both small and large hospital settings and in a private clinic. My practice has included general X-ray, interventional radiography, bone densitometry, and both screening and diagnostic mammography, working in both technologist and supervisory roles. Exposure to multiple modalities across diverse clinical settings has played a significant role in shaping my professional growth and shaping me into the technologist and leader I am today.

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

I work in a very busy Breast Imaging centre where we do Diagnostic Mammography, Breast ultrasound and interventional breast procedures. Much of my time in my role is dedicated to departmental administrative and leadership responsibilities. However, I am grateful that my role also allows me to remain clinically active and work directly with patients. No two days are the same, and the variety and challenges keep the work engaging and fulfilling.

What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that at the end of each day, I have made a difference in someone’s life, from simply making someone’s day with a smile, to helping a patient feel calm and safe during a procedure, to producing the images that will contribute to their early detection and diagnosis. Even on the most challenging days, it is deeply fulfilling to know that my work has a positive impact on the people I care for.

What is your favourite part about being an MRT?

My favourite part of being an MRT is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients while working in a field that is continually evolving. I value the balance of hands-on patient care, advanced technology, and problem-solving that this profession offers. In breast imaging, I find it incredibly rewarding to support patients during vulnerable moments and to provide diagnostic information that can truly change their outcomes. The variety of roles, modalities, and settings I have worked in has kept the profession engaging. It has allowed me to continue learning, growing, and finding purpose in my work throughout my career.