The radiology department at CHOC (part of Rady Children’s Health) has been named an inaugural recipient of the BeRAD Professionalism Award by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists’ (ASRT) board of directors.
The honor, for professionalism, quality, and collaboration as well as patient safety, was bestowed on only two healthcare systems nationwide from a pool of more than 40 pediatric and adult hospital applicants.
ASRT is the nation’s leading professional association for the medical imaging and radiation therapy community. Founded in 1920, the ASRT now has more than 156,000 members.
“Our goal has always been to advocate and promote the amazing work that is being performed here day in and day out, so to be nationally recognized for something like this is massive for our team,” said Andrew Ruiz, director of imaging services for Rady Children’s Health’s Orange County region.
A banner year
Radiology has had a banner year with the opening of a third MRI in the Bill Holmes Tower and an advanced and comprehensive outpatient imaging center in the new Southwest Tower.
All the new advanced imaging modalities (MRI & CT) feature the state-of-the-art “Phillips Ambient Experience,” a system with dynamic lighting, sounds and scenes designed to make the experience of getting an MRI or CT less scary for kids while familiarizing and coaching them through the process. These new machines significantly improve patient access by reducing the time it takes for families to complete their imaging and ultimately receive a diagnosis.
In the past 4 ½ years, the radiology department has doubled in size to more than 145 employees.
“The award just proves that all of the hard work and dedication that our staff represent is both validated as well as supported by such a prestigious society as the ASRT,” Andrew said.
The award recognizes specifically the department’s 80-plus technologists who operate the machines to create images but reflects the excellence of the entire unit, Andrew said.
“This is a multidisciplinary award — that’s what ASRT loved about our submission,” added Andrew, who went to Reno, Nev., to accept the award. ASRT officials also recently toured the Orange campus.
Elizabeth Dodd, nuclear medicine senior specialist; Valerie Jensen, CT technologist; Erin Parra, MRI supervisor; second row, Robert Grey, operations manager, imaging services; Ken Hollar, IR supervisor; Andrew Ruiz, director, imaging services; Dr. Melissa Pergola, chief executive officer, ASRT; Carissa Moses, ultrasound supervisor; Sheila Teran, CT supervisor; Tiffany Wright, ultrasonographer; Ashly Olguin, ultrasonographer.
An inspiring commitment
Melissa Pergola, executive director and chief executive of the ASRT, called Rady Children’s Health Orange County’s commitment to excellence inspiring.
“Through a rigorous application process, the organization distinguished itself by demonstrating robust systems, forward-thinking policies and a deeply rooted culture of professionalism,” Pergola said.
She added: “The organization shines in its efforts to empower staff, celebrate achievements and foster a spirit of lifelong learning. Most importantly, it highlights the essential role that medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in delivering safe, high-quality, and compassionate patient care.”
Ashley Ferguson, a sonographer in the radiology department, writing why the hospital should receive the BeRAD award, said the unit demonstrates an unwavering commitment to professionalism, high-quality imaging, and exceptional patient care.
“Our team of technologists are dedicated to advancing our skills, pursuing ongoing education, and providing patient-centered care,” Ashley wrote. “We serve a diverse patient population that includes individuals of various ages, cultural backgrounds, and unique histories. Our goal is to tailor each patient’s experience, ensuring that we address their specific needs with sensitivity and respect.”
Ashley noted that the department adheres to a standard of high-quality imaging and continually seeks to improve practices through skill development and continued education.
For example, all technologists are encouraged to participate in the department’s clinical ladder program, where they independently pursue continuing education, engage in various organizational events/initiatives, and set annual goals that contribute to clinical skill enhancement and professional growth. And monthly meetings within each modality provide a platform for discussing intriguing cases, quality assurance, and new protocols.
The entire department, Ashley added, empowers technologists to research and present educational topics in collaboration with radiologists.
“We take pride in our achievements while remaining vigilant in our pursuit of continuous improvement,” Ashley wrote. “Our mission is to be a driver of excellence in our field.”
A gold standard
The ASRT BeRad Professionalism Award is yet another distinguished acknowledgement for the RCH Orange County Radiology Department, which continues to set the standard in pediatric imaging services as a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence (DICOE) designated by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
CHOC is a two-time recipient of the DICOE honor – most recently receiving it in 2022. Healthcare organizations reapply for DICOE designation every three years and RCH Orange County Radiology is currently preparing for its renewal by the end of the year.
About CHOC
Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), a pediatric healthcare system based in Orange County, California, is committed to being a leading destination for children’s health by providing exceptional and innovative care.
Our mission is to nurture, advance and protect the health and well-being of children.
