The healthcare field is filled with individuals who not only possess technical expertise but also the empathy needed to guide patients through life-changing diagnoses. Two such inspiring stories come from radiology technologists Laken Robinson and Mary Lowe, both recipients of the GROW! Fellowship, which supported their transition into mammography. Recently, we sat down with them to reflect on their motivations, achievements, and aspirations in their new roles.

1. What motivated you to pursue a career in mammography, and how has the Fellowship supported your journey?

Laken: “My motivation to pursue mammography stems from a very personal place. A close friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 27 years old. It was a difficult journey for her, but seeing the impact that early detection had on her treatment process inspired me. I knew I wanted to be a part of the team that helps patients like her. Being able to support women during what can be one of the most terrifying times of their lives is something that resonates deeply with me.”

She goes on to explain how the GROW! Fellowship provided more than just financial support; it was a catalyst for her career. “Receiving the GROW! Fellowship was such a blessing, and I am so thankful that I was chosen for it! It helped me achieve my goal of becoming a registered mammographer, allowing me to train and obtain the skills necessary to make a difference in the lives of my patients. Without the Fellowship, this journey would have been much harder.”

Mary: “For me, mammography was something I had always wanted to do. After 28 years as a tech, my mother and grandmother both battling breast cancer became a huge driving force. It pushed me to want to make a difference in the field, to be part of the process that helps women detect cancer early.”

The GROW! Fellowship lifted the financial barrier that stood in the way of Mary’s goal. “Without the Fellowship, I wouldn’t have been able to make this leap. It provided me with the means to pursue mammography, and I’m so grateful for that.”

2. Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your studies or career so far?

Laken: “One of the most memorable moments in my career so far was when I was able to be there for a patient who found out she didn’t have breast cancer. The joy and relief on her face were indescribable, and it made me realize the profound impact we, as mammographers, can have on patients’ lives. It’s a feeling I will never forget.”

This moment of relief and joy underscores how essential mammography is in early detection and how rewarding it can be for those in the field. It’s not just about identifying problems—it’s also about delivering hope.

Mary: Reflecting on her training, Mary highlights a particularly meaningful experience. “During my 25 check-offs, I had the privilege of working with two incredibly experienced technologists. The knowledge and insights they shared with me were invaluable. It’s one thing to study the material, but to learn directly from experts in the field boosted my confidence and skills in a way I hadn’t expected.”

This hands-on experience was a defining moment in her journey, shaping her as a mammographer and preparing her for the patient care she now delivers.

3. How do you envision your role in the field of mammography making a difference in patient care?

Laken: In response to this, she explains, “I hope to make a difference by being the kind of technologist patients remember as someone who stood by them through both good and bad news. If they receive unfortunate news, I want them to know they are not alone and that I’m there to offer comfort. Mammograms can be nerve-wracking for many women, and my goal is to ensure that, regardless of the outcome, my patients feel supported.”

For her, it’s about more than just the technical aspects of her job. It’s about being a shoulder to lean on, a steady source of comfort, and a reminder that the patients are never going through their journey alone.

Mary: “I see my role in mammography as a blend of my extensive radiology background and the compassion I’ve developed through witnessing my own family’s battles with breast cancer. My personal experiences allow me to understand what patients are going through, and I want to be there for them—not just as a professional, but as someone who truly cares.”

By offering both technical skill and emotional support, Mary aims to make her patients feel cared for in every sense of the word, recognizing that mammograms can be an emotional and stressful experience.

4. What advice would you give to future students or professionals interested in this field?

Laken: To those considering a career in mammography, her advice is rooted in compassion. “Always be kind and compassionate towards your patients. You could be the reason they continue to have their mammograms yearly. Early detection saves lives, and we need patients to feel comfortable and supported enough to return regularly. Be that shoulder to lean on when they need it most.”

She emphasizes that while mammography requires technical expertise, it also demands a deep understanding of patient care. A technologist’s compassion could be the key to ensuring patients come back for their yearly screenings, which can make all the difference in early detection and treatment.

Mary: “Shadow a mammography department before you commit to training,” Mary advises. “It gives you a real sense of what the job entails and helps you decide if it’s the right fit for you. For me, mammography was a passion that stayed with me for 28 years, and I’m so glad I finally made the leap.”

Her message to future professionals is clear: if you feel the calling, pursue it wholeheartedly.

Conclusion

The stories of Laken Robinson and Mary Lowe, two radiology technologists who transitioned into mammography through the GROW! Fellowship, are shining examples of how personal experience and professional dedication can come together to make a profound impact. Both women were motivated by deeply personal connections to breast cancer—Laken through her close friend’s diagnosis and Mary through her mother’s and grandmother’s battles with the disease. Their journeys into mammography were not only fueled by a desire to contribute to early detection but also by their compassion for the patients they serve.

Thanks to the GROW! Fellowship, Laken has successfully become a registered mammographer, an accomplishment that underscores her commitment to providing critical care to women in need.

Both women have already made a difference—Laken by offering comfort and hope to patients, and Mary by delivering empathetic care rooted in her own life experiences. Their advice to future mammographers speaks volumes: embrace compassion, shadow the field, and follow your passion. For Laken and Mary, their new roles are not just about performing mammograms—they are about being there for patients in one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Their stories are a testament to the power of combining technical skill with heartfelt care, and they serve as a source of inspiration for future healthcare professionals.