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Amanda Bainter
Professor Refaei
Intermediate Composition 2089
30 June, 2015
Philosophy Statement
My aspiration to study medical imaging technology has stemmed from a lifelong interest
in the human body and how it functions. Initially, I began my career in healthcare within the
profession of pharmacy, working as a CPhT, or Certified Pharmacy Technician, for almost ten
years. After spending time in a hospital pharmacy setting, having interaction with patients and
seeing different areas of the hospital, I found an interest in medical imaging. I found that my
personality fell in line with this profession. I have always been interested in helping people in
any way, large or small. I enjoy patient interaction and providing advice and compassionate
healthcare, as well as medical information in a clear way that patients can understand. I am now
in my second year of college to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Advanced Medical Imaging
Technology. My particular area of the profession will be in nuclear medicine technology and
MRI. The definition of a nuclear medicine technologist is as follows: “Nuclear medicine
technologists administer trace amounts of radiopharmaceuticals to a patient to obtain functional
information about organs, tissues and bone. The technologist then uses a special camera to detect
gamma rays emitted by the radiopharmaceuticals and creates an image of the body parts under
study. The image is then recorded on a computer screen or film.” (American Society of
Radiologic Technologists)
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One can see from the above definition that nuclear medicine technology is a very patient
oriented and hands-on profession, given that you are administering pharmaceuticals directly the
patient, as well as moving the patient to required positions, and completing the exam process.
This is exactly the type of profession I feel that I belong in, not only based off of my own
personality and beliefs, but possibly genetics. My mother is a nurse, and compassionate
healthcare has been an interest of hers as well. For me, I believe that each patient should be
treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, sex, creed, religion or socioeconomic status.
This belief falls in line with the code of ethics set forth by the American Society of Radiologic
Technologists (ASRT). I feel that this attitude should be shown not only in my professional
setting, but outside of my work environment as well. Whether I am speaking with a patient
regarding their medication or a medical test that they will need to have performed, to standing in
line at the grocery store, every person should be treated with the full respect that they deserve.
Not only do I have a passion for my profession, but I also have a passion for the patients I
will be serving. In moments that a patient’s health could be in question, I hope to be a calming
and reassuring presence to ease their fears and apprehensions. Not only that, I will respond to
their needs to the best of my ability and conduct myself in a professional manner at all times,
always acting in the best interest of the patient. The goal for each and every day is always to
have a successful patient outcome.
One aspect of this philosophy statement was to describe how my profession and I could
change the world. Nuclear medicine technology and molecular imaging procedures are
invaluable ways to gather medical information that would otherwise never be known. For
instance, we are able to offer procedures that run the gamut of many medical specialties such as
pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, oncology and many more. Currently there are more than one-
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hundred different nuclear medicine imaging procedures, and every major organ system can be
imaged. Obviously medical imaging has made significant advancements, and will continue to do
so. This is why I agree so much with this specific statement in the Code of Ethics for Radiologic
Technologists. It states; “The radiologic technologist acts to advance the principal objective of
the profession to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind”.
(asrt.org) For myself as a professional, to change the world in my own way, I will continually
strive to improve my knowledge and level of experience, as well as investigate any new aspects
of my professional practice.
I believe that somewhere within all of us is the desire to make the world a better place.
For me, that desire will be fulfilled through each patient, one at a time. I believe fully in the
mission statement put forth by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
(SNMMI) which states that in our profession, we seek to “improve human health by advancing
nuclear medicine, molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy”. (snmmi.org) By making
advancements in my profession, I can ultimately make advancements in my ability to care for
and treat the patients that I will serve.
Works Cited
“Code of Ethics”. ASRT.org. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. February 2003.
Web. 30 June 2015.
“Strategic Plans”. SNMMI.org. Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. n.d. Web.
30 June 2015
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