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 Kaitlyn Svistovski, B.Sc., RTT, MAL.
Can you describe your current role and area of practice within medical radiation technology?
I am the Lead Radiation Therapist at BC Cancer Prince George, and I am responsible for the administrative and clinical activities of our department. In a nutshell, my role facilitates safe, timely, and effective planning and delivery of radiation therapy to cancer patients while ensuring the department meets provincial & professional standards.
What originally led you to pursue a career as an MRT?
I first learned about radiation therapy when my grandmother and uncle were receiving treatment in Winnipeg. I looked into the program at Red River College/Cancer Care Manitoba, and the blend of patient care and technology really spoke to me. I had just completed a Bachelor of Science and wasn’t sure what to do next, so the timing was right, and I applied to the program.
What does a typical day look like for you in your department or clinic?
I start my day by touching base with each area of the department and ensuring clinical coverage needs are met, then I attend a daily huddle with the leaders of the other departments in our centre. Then…it could be anything! Reviewing the RT waitlist, liaising with our multidisciplinary team for patient care needs, working on department projects with my Resource RTs and Educator, updating procedures, supporting clinical decision making, interviewing potential hires (RTTs, Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, and more), be a listening ear for my staff, local and provincial meetings, providing input for various projects, reviewing patient safety events, scheduling staff, chairing RT staff meetings, payroll, audits, coaching, working clinically if short staffed, and one time I even filmed for a WorkBC project (https://www.workbc.ca/plan-career/career-trek-videos/32121/193)!
What advice would you give to new MRTs entering the profession today?
Commit to lifelong learning. The profession is rapidly changing with advancements in technology and research, and things you learn in school now might not be part of your practice in the future (I’m looking at you, Cobalt!) Embrace the evolution of your practice and be very open to change.
What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding?
When I was a frontline staff, I loved being in the CT simulator. Introducing patients to the RT process, easing their fears, and ensuring their sim was done to the highest standard of care was something I took pride in. Professionally, getting involved with projects/committees on the local, provincial and national level has been very rewarding and a great learning opportunity for me. Personally, I love the connections I’ve made with fellow MRTs in the provinces I’ve worked and across Canada. Having a support network of people who understand the rewards and challenges of being an MRT has been invaluable.
What is your favourite part about being an MRT?
Being part of a team. I love seeing individual ideas and contributions come together into something more. I have been part of many teams, and I’m always inspired by how people work together to create something extraordinary. Together, we truly are greater than the sum of our parts!