There is a very fundamental problem in U.S. healthcare and that is violence against healthcare workers. If you haven’t picked up on the fact that this issue is a highly sensitive topic, then you haven’t been paying attention. Healthcare workers shouldn’t be managed as a commodity for a consumer to use and abuse. But the…
The Elephant in the Room: Race and Discrimination Thoughts on Implicit Bias
As the country and the population becomes more diverse, society in general has become more stratified and many of communities have become marginalized. The healthcare industry isn’t immune to the effects of this stratification and marginalization. I live in a city where implicit bias is built into the healthcare system and you probably do too….
A 2019 Perspective on Mammographers and Accreditation
As a Vice President at Advanced Health Education Center, one area under my charge is helping mammography facilities fulfill the requirements assigned by accreditation bodies after a negative film check validation report or failure. As a woman with personal experience in mammograms with spot films, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound, I understand the experience…
Ideas and Comments About New Virtual Grids
Ideas and Comments About New Virtual Grids From someone who knows With CR and DR, one of the biggest reasons for image artifacts comes from grids and improper alignment and grid cut-off. Essentially, the manufacturers of DR products want the grids out of the exposure process to lessen the artifacts issues. This problem is even…
From Millennials to Baby Boomers: How to create the most productive team with 4 generations
She brought her mom to the interview?? Picture this, mommy dearest sits patiently in the waiting room while her daughter is being interviewed for her first ever “adult job”. Or better yet, mom calls the HR Manager to discuss their son or daughter’s salary, relocation packages and scholarship programs. WHAAAATTTTTT, these things really happen? Based…
Obesity Increase Risks for Cancer from Higher Radiation Exposure
New research shows that obese patients require higher radiation exposure during radiology exams leading to cancer risks associated with radiation exposure. A new study from England’s University of Exeter and Musgrove Park Hospital this month highlights Radiology’s conundrum of the obese patient. The practical and social difficulties associated with medical imaging of obese patients are…
What do the Texas regulations require for Fluoroscopic Spacers?
Below is the regulation for the State of Texas. Basically, it says that you can remove the spacer cone for specific surgical applications that would be otherwise prohibited at the SSDs specified by the regulation. If you do remove it, then you must have written operating and safety procedures that provide precautionary measures to be…
Radiology Conundrum: Removing the Fluoro Spacer
Recently, the online radiology communities have been debating the problems of removing the fluoroscopy spacer meant to keep the distance of the X-ray source consistent on each patient and each procedure. Many surgeons are asking for removal of the spacers to facilitate the surgical field. We asked our radiation safety expert, Louis Wagner, Ph.D., DABR,…
AHEC 2019 Survey: RT Experience with TMB
AHEC started the New Year exploring the rumors from Texas Rad Techs concerning their experiences with the Texas Medical Board (TMB). AHEC’s CEO asked the AHEC marketing group to investigate and was particularly concerned as she holds License #1 and continues to act in concert with TMB. We surveyed our Texas constituents and have the…
It’s here, January 1, 2019!
As of 1/1/19 all personnel utilizing and/or supervising fluoroscopy imaging equipment must have initial training in radiation safety and annual training thereafter. A response from TJC about the requirements that staff will be expected to meet follows: “The education requirement focuses on content that would address dose management and the operation of the types of…