As a new grad in 1977 from the Michener Institute, formerly known as the Toronto Institute of Medical Technology, I was fortunate to be hired into a full time position at the Sunnybrook Medical Center.  I progressed through the modalities of General Radiography, CT, Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab during my first 10 years at Sunnybrook.These opportunities provided a foundation of experience and knowledge as my future in the profession progressed.  In 1986, I was given the opportunity to build a new CT department in one of Toronto’s community hospitals, the former York Finch General.

These opportunities provided a foundation of experience and knowledge as my future in the profession progressed.  In 1986, I was given the opportunity to build a new CT department in one of Toronto’s community hospitals, the former York Finch General Hospital as their first Charge CT Technologist.  The planning and development of a new program provided for the expertise and confidence to eventually transition into the world of imaging management.  This occurred in 1998 when the three community hospitals of York Finch General, Northwestern General, and Humber Memorial Hospital merged as I became the manager of the Medical Imaging Department at Humber River Regional Hospital and Manager of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at WestPark Healthcare.  The challenges grew in complexity testing my personal and professional resilience and resolve. The hospital mergers, the Y2K preparations, and then the redevelopment project to build a new imaging department and hospital.

In 2005, the height of my professional career achieved as I became Director of Medical Imaging of the merged Humber River Regional Hospital. What an exciting time! Through the next 12 years, I became very involved with the OARM executive as Secretary, CMRTO as an elected council member, and Chair of both the Discipline and Finance and Audit Committee.  As well, I have had the pleasure of affiliation with the National Steering Committee on “The future of MRT Education” sitting now as a member of the Advocacy Advisory Council with the CAMRT.

To any and all MRTs, the thought to carry forward is to share and express the passion for your profession first and foremost! Challenge yourselves, grow your personal perspective by engaging the profession from within and interprofessionally with the ambition of elevating our profile across the healthcare spectrum all driven by our service to patients and families.

I am so proud of my career choice and wish the best to all in our profession!

All the Best

Dina stepped down from her role as Director of Medical Imaging at Humber River Hospital on June 30th. Over the span of her 30 year career, passion emanating throughout, her accomplishments, leadership and participation in the Medical Radiation Technology profession are too many to list! Colleagues, vendors, OAMRS and most of all – department staff, will miss her expertise, leadership presence, and friendship.