A mammography tech who has been working at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital just a few weeks has been recognized for her dedication to the field of radiologic technology. Sydney Kasner, R.T.(R)(M), was named the 2019 Student Leadership Development Program Alumni of the Year by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
She will be recognized on Saturday, June 27, during the 2020 ASRT Virtual Special Meeting of the ASRT House of Delegates.
“This award means so much to me,” Kasner said. “I’ve worked tremendously hard to contribute to my field, and I’m grateful to feel recognized. I plan to continue volunteering and advocating for diagnostic imaging professionals, both regionally and nationally.”
Kasner was part of a cohort of nearly 100 students who took part in the program at the 2019 ASRT annual governance meeting in Orlando, Florida. The program provides medical imaging and radiation therapy students a chance to attend the educational symposium and annual governance meeting to learn about the society, participate in educational sessions, prepare for future leadership roles and network with radiologic science professionals.
When asked why she selected diagnostic imaging as a career path, she explained: “I decided on a career in imaging because of the variety of modalities and capacities we are able to work in. You can find a radiologic technologist just about anywhere in the hospital, from operating rooms to patient bedsides. A radiologic technologist may further their career by going into CT, MRI, education, and so much more.”
On a more personal note, “I chose mammography because my mother battled breast cancer, and she sincerely benefited from a positive and supportive team of health care professionals,” Kasner shared. “I want to be that friendly face people look forward to seeing. I am passionate about women’s health and truly care about providing every patient with an excellent mammogram experience.”
Kasner graduated from the Linn-Benton Community College’s diagnostic imaging program in February 2020, while fulfilling a full-time 10-month externship at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. On May 18, 2020, she began her employment with Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.
While at the college, she was elected Radiologic Technologists Club president, and she helped create and fund the organization’s first scholarship, now available to future radiography students. Kasner has written several articles for ASRT publications. She also contributed a book review to Radiation Therapy, and her manuscript, “Technologist Stressors and Supportive Responses” was accepted for publication in Radiologic Technology.
Kasner volunteers on several committees for the Oregon Society of Radiologic Technologists, including serving as Student Action Committee board chair.
“I live in Lincoln City, and my plan has always been to serve my local community after completing a quality education,” she said. “The population we serve here at SNLH is considered medically underserved, and I believe people here deserve access to quality medical care like everyone else, including mammograms. I love working and living in a small town, it’s a dream come true!”