Celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week® (NRTW).

Providing patients with safe medical imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments is the primary goal for the nation’s radiologic technologists (RT). To recognize the vital work of RTs, CurveBeam AI is celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week® (NRTW).

NRTW was created by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists in 1979. The event is celebrated each year during the week of Nov. 8, the day that German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered the x-ray in 1895.

Medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals work with some of the most innovative equipment in the medical field to help identify pathologies, plan and administer treatment and restore patient health.

CurveBeam AI would like to shine a spotlight on Frank Maglio, RT, at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. When HSS added weight bearing CT to its imaging services in 2016, Frank embraced the new modality, and helped to ensure it was successfully integrated into the Radiology department. We sat down with Frank to reflect on his career and the RT profession.

CBAI: Why did you choose to become an RT?

Maglio: I have an older friend who was doing it for a little while. She would talk about it, taking pictures of anatomy, and it was always in the back of my mind. Also, I had to have various imaging procedures, and I started to realize how important the role of a radiologic technologist is in quality medical care. It’s an integral part. So, I thought this is where I could fit in as a piece in the puzzle.

CBAI: Can you give us a timeline of your career?

Maglio: I’m fortunate – I went to New York City College of Technology. That was about 20 years ago. I had heard about HSS, and its reputation and I happened to get a clinical there. So, it was kind of an easy choice from there. I’ve been there about 20 years now. I worked a lot with the lower extremity, and now, upper extremity doctors.

CBAI: When we introduce our products into a new practice, sometimes there’s hesitancy because it’s a new modality.

Maglio: You must embrace it. That’s really what it is. You just embrace it, and you learn all you can about it, and that’s kind of what I did. I was nervous at first. I still remember my first patient and they also remember me too, but they were like, I’m the first one. I’m like, yes, and it’s the first scan. It was a good experience actually, because I think the modality is excellent. I think it’s a very integral part of what we do now. You know, it’s become just like everything else. You know, the doctors really rely on it.

CBAI: What are your favorite aspects of the job?

Maglio: I like the nurses, the doctors, everyone that works there. It’s the dedication and the passion I’ve experienced with the people I work with. It makes you strive to be better. It raises your game. Each patient is a different situation. I like that aspect of it too. It’s a high intensity environment. We have cutting edge technology and the doctors are innovative.

CBAI: Can you share an inspiring moment you had on the job with a patient or with another medical professional?

Maglio: I don’t know if it’s a moment, more like moments, plural. Because it’s the people. Every time a patient has a positive experience, when I’m interacting with them, when they feel at ease – you build trust with the patient. And I have patients that I encounter more than once. Sometimes years apart and they remember me. You do your part to keep the workflow smooth, it’s an accomplishment.

CBAI: When it comes to safety in medical imaging, what may the average person not be aware of?

Maglio: As a tech, we must always be aware of each patient – their abilities, their limitations. To build that trust, we’re constantly monitoring, can they move easily, are they maybe a little shaky? And we have to adjust accordingly to that situation.

CBAI: When working with our systems, can you describe the patient experience?

Maglio: I think they’re always amazed with it actually. The patients, they say it looks futuristic and they’ve never had a CT like this before. They’ll ask questions about it. They’re also thrilled that it’s a quick test.

CBAI: Describe the experience of working with CurveBeam AI systems and being a part of introducing these new modalities to patients and doctors.

Maglio: Well, I think it’s great. It’s inspiring. It’s great.  You get passionate about it, and it’s just a communication back and forth with CurveBeam AI.

CBAI: What is your advice for those who want to enter the field?

Maglio: You must have patience. You’ve got to treat patients with kindness, empathy and understanding. You have got to be understanding. You’ve got to pay attention to details. That’s critical in diagnostic imaging.

CBAI: What’s one thing about you that makes you, you outside of being an RT?

Maglio: Well, I’m pretty loyal. I’m also very into detail and everyone knows that with me, I remember things. I could tell you I did this on a Thursday this year. I’m very reliable.

CBAI: What is your NYC tip as a local New Yorker?

Maglio: Explore the city, but not by car. Be ready to walk a lot. On the West side, there’s a lot of things now. I haven’t even explored half of it. But if you want pizza go to Vito’s Slices and Ices on 39th and 6th.

[GU1]I assume this is a direct quote, so I will not change it 🙂