RadTimes

The CCSF DMI Program would like to wish everyone a

very happy, healthy and productive new year. Please

enjoy the Winter RadTimes Issue with updates, stories and

tips from our current students. Enjoy!

Welcoming the New Year 2015

City College San Francisco

Life Changing Semester…Literally By Sandy Wu

CCSF Students in Sacramento at the RTCC Meeting October 2014

CONTENTS 1 Life Changing Semester

3 The Student Journey

4 CSRT Update

5 Recipe Corner

6 Most wonderful time of the year

7 Student Wisdoms

8 RTCC Meeting

8 Clinical Peptalk

9 My Clinical Rotation Experience

10 From the Chair’s Chair

11 Bart Positioning

12 Tips for DMI Program

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As excited as we can all be to have been accepted into the DMI Program in Spring 2014, we will soon need to make some alterations to our lifestyle. During our first semester of the program, we all heard about “the hardest semester – 2nd semester”. We were told things will be so different; the class will get close; we will be studying endlessly & so much more. Whatever it was, they’ve all came true! The whole class has gotten to know each other a lot; we’ve became a big family. ;) There are nights of endless studying, especially before exams and the daunting finals. We have gotten comfortable around each other, we can talk about almost anything. We have study groups, sometimes in library, cafeteria, outside at some random coffee shop, anywhere that we can grab a

Continued on page 2

January 2015 | Volume 4, Issue 1

A good student radiographer knows how to multi-task!

2 CCSF RadTimes Winter 2015

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good cup of coffee and stay warm.

Many of us still worked throughout the first semester. Some still work in the 2nd semester, but hours have decreased once we realized how much MORE time it required of us. Doable, but much more challenging. We had some leisure of going out and spending time with friends and family during the first semester. Once the 2nd semester got started, what friends? What outing? What shopping? Those things may have become dreams for some of us. It will soon come true; again. I am thankful to have such supportive family

and friends who understand that I won’t be around as much for the next two years. I promise I will still be there for birthdays, holidays, and times when they need me; but for times to go out shopping or just to grab a drink…. I’ll have to give out a rain check.

During the first semester, I was still able to stay actively involved at my son’s

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preschool. I volunteered for events, participated on the Parent Council, and became a member of the Board for his school. That required additional hours of meetings each month and I enjoyed every step of it. I do not want to miss out on what’s happening at my son’s school. But once I start hearing all the stories from students in the classes ahead of it, I knew I had to make some changes. Once a new school year started for my son, I withdrew my seat from the Board and Parent Council. I’ve shared my stories with other parents and encouraged them to participate. The 2nd semester had really proven all the stories we heard. When I’m not sleeping, I’m most likely doing some kind of school work. Some nights, I even dream about school. Every morning, I would leave the house once I get my son out of bed and his daddy takes over from there. He works night shifts and would come home to get our son ready for school then goes to sleep. The time I get to spend “alone time” with my 4 year old is the 25

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minute drive home from school and the quick dinner we eat at the table. Other than that, I’ll have all my books and notes out on the table, floor, couch; you name it, it’s there! He’s only 4 years old, but sometimes he act as if he’s the parents. “Mommy, do your homework!” “Mommy, you need to read your book!” “Mommy, I can do this by myself so you can finish your work.” My little man warms my heart and he’s my biggest cheerleader throughout this adventure.

For those we have experienced the semester of horror, we did it! Cheers to that!

For those who will soon experience it, make the proper adjustments and enjoy the ride!

“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt

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3 CCSF RadTimes Winter 2015

NEWSLETTER SPOTLIGHT: A Student Journey from Volunteer to

Technologist

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By Inna Cotur

Around this time two years ago, I had started my volunteering job at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, dreaming to work there as a student of the Diagnostic Medical Program at CCSF. Now, I am a student, finishing second semester of the program and waiting for placement at one of San Francisco hospital. All the final exams are over now. Dreams come true and absolutely excited I am ready for my clinical rotation to apply my knowledge to obtain radiographs and provide excellent patient care. Even though I had already first short breathtaking clinical experience as a student of DMI program of CCSF last semester, I am absolutely ready and exciting for my continued clinical education next semester. Last semester, following giving to us instructions, I contacted clinical instructor by email, and asked him to schedule me for my 2-day clinical experience at California Pacific Medical Center. Ken Yago, who was in charge, scheduled for me two visits. I remember, when I entered the hospital building, I felt pleasant joy and excitement because everything around looked respectably and reliably. Communicable receptionist at front desk of the hospital directed me to Radiology Department. I introduced myself to my supervisor Ken and greeted all available personals. I was surprised by their open interest in new student of Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program and later I learned why. This is because many of them graduated from the same program of City College of San Francisco. They welcomed me to observe as many exams as possible. I was

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dressed appropriately, wearing white coat with CCSF patch on the left shoulder and film badge next to my neck. Cell phone, bright make-up and pink color nails were left home. I not only looked professional but also felt like one of the team member. I still remember the observations of several cases. The patient, 25-year old female, with abdominal pain, was instructed to drink a barium contrast mixed with orange juice before the CT exam. She was calm and followed instruction. By the time she finished her drink, Radiologic Technologist welcomed her, introduced herself and me as a student and invited to walk to CT unit. Radiologic Technologist verified one more time name and day of birth of the patient. First moments I noticed that the patient became more stressed and afraid of exam. But smile and pleasant timbre of RT’s voice relaxed the young patient. Next question was if any chances the patient might be pregnant. She confirmed that she is not pregnant by providing the day of first day of her menstrual cycle. When we entered the CT room, the patient was given a privacy to exchange her clothing and remove her bra and jewelry. Technologist walked inside the CT room and started explaining the procedure. Precise instructions about CT exam and intravenous contrast administration made young lady absolutely comfortable and sedate. She started smiling, shearing her previous radiologic experience. When she layed down we gave her extra pillows under her head and knees. After the examination was performed and intravenous line was discontinued, radiologic technologist gave thorough instructions to patient about post barium contrast administration, drinking more

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water and avoid caffeinated drinks. This patient left Radiology Department absolutely satisfied and aware about post procedure instructions. Next day I observed three fluoroscopy exams for patients with different ages. Excellent patient care age competency was provided in all cases. Even though not all exams were finished because of age of patients, all patients and family members were satisfied. First case, a 16-month child, was too small to follow instructions, but was playful and looked happy. During this exam I counted six health care representatives, including Radiologist, two Radiologic Technologists, child feeding specialist, interpreter, two parents and one research specialist. Procedure wasn’t successful because the infant couldn't swallow barium mixture. We tried many times, using different spoons and straws. The second exam went through because of age of patient, following clear instructions by patient and his mother and nice atmosphere in fluoroscopy room. The patient, the 8-year old boy, was scared at the beginning. His mom, radiologist and two radiologic technologists started playing with him and talked as he is an adult to him at the same time. He had drunk all contrast and exam went successfully. Radiologic technologist was giving him stickers and “high fives”. I was amazed how fast and naturally RTs created friendly environment. Especially mother of the patient was happy by receiving exceptional patient care and information about post exam care provided. In the third case, patient, 65 year old male, followed all the instructions and was cooperative. Sometimes, one of RT was helping this

Continued on page 4

4 CCSF RadTimes Winter 2015

In my first job at a printing plant I had a boss who would spill water on the floor and then see which employee would clean it up. When it came time for annual raises he would surprise us with his notes on this little test of his. I asked him why he did this and he said that it wasn’t enough to try to impress him, he wanted to make sure that we were looking out for the greater good at our workplace. He wanted to build of team of people who were looking out for each other. This former boss instilled me with the idea of building not only your career but also building your professional community. This is why in my new career as a radiographer I am interested in growing my community of peers. We work in a unique field and it is our responsibility to be connected, informed and protective of our career — both in the workplace and on a state level. Many people think that being involved or making a difference is a time consuming or difficult task. I completely understand that life is increasingly complex and the idea of another commitment may seem daunting to you. This is why professional organizations, like the California Society of Radiologic Technologists is a great resource for us in California. By combining talent and voices across the state, the CSRT is able to advocate for patient safety, for our profession and keep us up-to-date with education and issues when we as individuals might not be able to take the time. This upcoming year, as a student committee member of the CSRT, I can ask you to get involved in a variety of ways. It can be something simple like joining our membership. It can be a little more involved by telling me your stories as a radiographer in California for a CSRT newsletter. It can be a one-

time thing by helping with a conference or providing a donation for our student scholarship fund. It can be anything between a couple minutes to a few hours of your time and I promise that it won’t be difficult. It might even be rewarding as you have a chance to connect and meet other radiographers or student radiographers in the state. In any

case, it is up to you to take the first step by either visiting the CSRT website at www.csrt.org or simple reach out to me with questions by emailing me at VanessaAycock@gmail.com. Why does getting involved matter? At the end of the day, you can make your world a little bigger and maybe a little better by joining a larger voice for technologists.

Did you know that you can support patient safety and help to protect the

future of your career at the same time? Join the CSRT today!

It’s your future.

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patient to move around on the table. I was surprised by readiness of patient to share his information. Provided his name and date of birth, he started explain what happen, his feelings, fears and expectations. I should make a note about these fluoroscopy procedures. During all these exams I observe high level of radiation protection. Lead aprons, shields were used during all this procedures. All students were behind the special window. Saying goodbye to my supervisor and all team that time, I heard invitation to come back for clinical rotation. That was one more confirmation that I was in a right place doing right things. This time, at the beginning of third semester I am absolutely excited about my

future clinical rotation. I want to be not only an observer but a performer. The third semester is critical in the Diagnostic Imaging Program because working two full days, a 16-hour a week shift will give us real picture of our future profession. I believe, having this amount of compassion to people and knowledge I am ready to continue education process and become professional radiologic technologist.

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“I was amazed at how fast RTs

created a friendly

environment”

CSRT Update: Why Getting Involved Matters By Vanessa Aycock

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Are you looking for a little something

meaningful in your education? CSRT is looking

for student leaders! Visit CSRT.org to apply today.

CCSF Students attend the CSRT September 9th meeting in Sacramento.

Make CSRT Coffee Cup Ad vs. the cost of membership for CSRT.

2 weeks of morning coffee

$45 cost

1 hour of work = a year of support

5 CCSF RadTimes Winter 2015

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Directions 1. Make cookies: In a medium

bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until creamy, 3 minutes. Add egg and beat to combine. Add molasses and beat to combine, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate until firm, 1 hour (or up to 3 days).

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. With a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut dough into small 2-inch-wide triangles. Arrange triangles, 1 inch apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until cookies are firm and golden at edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks.

3. Make icing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth. Drizzle icing over cooled cookies and sprinkle with sanding sugar, if desired.

In case your trying to be sugar

conscious they are always up for

bagels and I often hear pleas for

dim sum/buns. Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year and good

luck in whatever your next

semester brings.

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This piece goes out to those who will find themselves at SFGH. The fastest way to garner the support and praise from the Rad Techs at SFGH is through their stomachs. Bring goodies! I didn’t know this before I got there but since my discovery, I’ve brought lemon squares back from spring break and Gingerbread cookies and Pfefferrnusen (german spice cookies) on my departure for winter break and off to an undisclosed rotation location (rhymy…). Here is a recipe for The “Gingerbread Trees and Lemon Icing” cookies which can also be found on Martha Stewart website.

Drizzles of lemony icing like garland and sprinklings of sanding sugar give these simple gingerbread triangles their Christmas tree appearance and holiday flair.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling

• 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon coarse salt • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 large egg • 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses

For the icing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar • Sanding or coarse sugar (optional)

RECIPE CORNER Gingerbread Trees with Lemon Icing

By Luis Moran

6 CCSF RadTimes Winter 2015

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

The second semester of the DMI program was very challenging for me. I felt like I was stuck in a

circle by making the same mistakes over and over again because I have told myself so many times

to study for the finals or any other tests ahead of time and not in the last moment. Even though I

consider myself as sort of an organized person, this semester my mind just wasn’t where it was

supposed to be and it led to chronic procrastination which became my worst enemy. After each

test and exam I felt very angry and disappointed in myself because I knew that I wasn’t using 100% of

my total capabilities but couldn’t do anything about it. I guess it happened because my fears of not

passing this semester got the best of me and it shut my brain down most of the time during the tests

and finals. Nevertheless, the worst part of it all was waiting for the final exam results because it felt like

I was a patient waiting for a horrible diagnosis. So, whoever reads this, if you don’t want to feel

yourself in misery please never ever procrastinate on doing your homework and studying for the tests!

I have learned my lesson and in order to avoid all this mess again I am going to start studying skull

anatomy for next semester right now!

On the other hand, I had a wonderful semester because I really had learned a lot and

enjoyed spending time at school with my big and amazing DMI family. The classroom #241 has

become our new cozy home where every morning our caring and loving parents were waiting for us

to teach us something new. I am also very glad that this semester our class was united a lot and we

found so many caring and supportive brothers and sisters with whom we were spending our

weekends together practicing positioning, laughing, or crying after test results. I am very grateful to

all of our hardworking teachers and classmates and can’t wait for next semester to be back to my

second home sweet home. Also, I am very excited and looking forward to starting our clinical

education next semester. I don’t know yet which hospital I was placed, but I know for sure that it is

going to be the most wonderful and exciting Christmas gift for me to receive this year!

Thanks to all for everything, and have a wonderful holiday!

Nonna Bro

2ND SEMESTER: It’s the most wonderful time of the year By Nonna Bro

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Stephanie Nguyen

Second Semester Entering into the second semester we all have been told to prepare for a lot of work. I thought I was prepared for all the hardwork it would take to pass. But not realizing our personal life may impact our school life so much put more stress upon me. It has been difficult to juggle kids who have their own school struggles with my own and dealing with a family loss in the middle of the semester. But I was able to make it work through a lot of determination and a lot of support

from my family. Going through this semester with my classmates has helped a lot not only because we are going through it together but we have all come together to study and practice positioning. It helps when we urge each other on when we feel like we are going to fail. I think the one thing I took from this semester is that it takes a lot of work and their may be setbacks along the way but don't give up you will make it. Keep studying, keep practicing, and come together as a class to motivate one another and confide in one another for support. Now that finals week is over I'm excited to go to clinical. To my fellow classmates we made it through now on to the next semester, see you in January!

Second semester students in the positioning lab class.

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The didactic component of the DMI program is thorough and intense. One of the many things I learned in my second semester is the value and necessity of teamwork. Copious amounts of information must be learned before going on to the clinical portion of the program. Without my classmates coming together as a team to graciously share their many complimentary skills, knowledge and encouragement, this last semester could have seemed insurmountable. I thank them and value them not as only as classmates, but as friends and future colleagues. It’s true-- you meet the best people in this profession. ~ Pamela Wayne

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Persistence and Acceptance: Admission to the DMI Program by Jim Yuen

After waiting patiently for four disappointing years, I finally began my studies in the Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program at City College of San Francisco this year. I had contemplated various professions in allied health prior to pursing radiologic technology but my path became clear Fall 2009. During that term, I completed Diane Garcia's DMI 49: Introduction to Radiologic Technology course while concurrently volunteering at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center's radiology department. The course material was informative, while observing procedures in the clinical environment was engaging and illuminating.

My application to the program over successive years has been an experience that taxed my patience but not my resolve. When I initially applied to the Radiologic Sciences program in 2010, I was disappointed I was not selected, though I knew the odds were not in my favor as a first-time applicant. The subsequent year's application yielded the same result – qualification without admission. 2012 was particularly frustrating as the narrow application filing period for that year had been both truncated and advanced earlier by a month; it was too late for submission by the time I discovered the change. Fortunately, I had planned for the contingency that I

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might not be admitted to the program for years – I had completed an ASHP-accredited program and obtained licensure as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in the interim. I would simply continue to work in pharmacy and conserve resources for when I would finally gain admission to DMI.

The fourth weekend of November 2013, I received an e-mail from CCSF's DMI program with "Important DMI Program News" in the subject field. As I stared at the subject heading, my breaths slowed but increased in inhalation volume while the rest of my bodily functions seemed to almost cease – as if in preparation for an impending calamity, like the calm before a storm. I slowly moused over the subject heading. Click. The message alluded to no admission decision, yet indicated the information in the enclosed documents were time sensitive – at least there was no sign of rejection so far. As I glanced at the file names of the attachments, I felt life return to my body, as if hope and longing were perfusing my vasculature like a blood transfusion. I opened the "Spring 2014 Acceptance Letter." My eyes darted around countless times within mere milliseconds, scanning the top of the page like a frantic "where's Waldo" search. Confirmed! It seemed I would have something for which to be thankful that Thanksgiving.

Student Wisdoms

 

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sometimes there was a counter motion, then another discussion and then finally the voting. It got a little confusing at times on what they were actually voting on and to be honest I think some of the panel was confused even after they voted. The voting was exciting, partly because it was the quickest part of the whole discussion, but also because after watching the panel argue you form your own opinion and you want your side to win. It sort of feels like the final few minutes of an ebay auction, you are watching on the edge of your seats hoping things will go your way.

After the vote things would move on and the next topic would be presented. It was a very long day but definitely worth the time I spent there. It was interesting because as a student you don’t realize how politics can really affect this career. I have had teachers discuss it but this was a first hand look at how things can change if radiologic technologists don’t get involved or have a voice.

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Do you feel defeated and overwhelmed trying to juggle with school, work, and a social life? If you say yes, you're not alone. I know first hand how that feels. I work 6-days a week, go to school, and try to maintain a social life. How do I it? Honestly, I don't know. There are plenty of times where I want to pull out my hair and cry, and other times where I question "is this really for me". When that happens I talk about it with my classmates and loved ones. Having a great support system has helped me through many difficulties that I have faced. Don't let people scare you and say that you can't work, raise a kid, go to school, and have a social life. You can. You just have to find that balance and learn how to manage your time. Tell people how they can help and talk about your issues so that it isn't all bottles up inside. It will be challenging and there will be days that you feel defeated, but try your very best. Don't give up! You will feel even more defeated if you simply give up because you feel that it is too difficult for you. Rather, challenge yourself because you'll come out of this a stronger person! — To all my classmates, coworkers, friends and family - thank you! I'm on to the next challenge! - Cindy Lee

It was interesting

because as a

student you don’t

realize how

politics can really

affect this career.  

Cindy working with her classmates in Advanced Positioning Lab.

SACRAMENTO

RTCC Meeting By Allison Correia

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Back in October I had the opportunity to go to the RTCC meeting that was held in Sacramento. When I decided to go to this meeting I had little knowledge of what actually happened. I knew they discussed a variety of topics and voted on them, but I didn’t know there was a panel of mostly doctors getting into heated arguments discussing their views on each topic.

With every new topic it would start out a little slow. Usually 2 or three people would come forth to present their topic. It would be a nicely laid out power point discussing the change they wanted to make with supporting research and evidence. Then the panel would start asking their questions regarding the evidence. They would start out with easy questions, and then after a few minutes things would speed up and next thing you know it there would be a full on debate happening in front of you. There was a woman who was in charge of keeping things in order and after every person spoke she would shout out the order of who was able to speak next. She probably had the hardest job because after someone would make a statement you would see 4 hands fly up and she had to keep track of the order on who raised their hand first. After about 20 minutes of discussing someone on the panel would make a motion and then things would get intense. There always had to be a second to the motion and

CLINICAL PEPTALK

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“Are you 62, 64, or 66?” I’m not talking about age either. Before I can even properly introduce myself, most radiology technologists automatically know what to expect based on that number. I’ll never forget my first experience on portables in the ICU during my first semester out in clinical as a DMI 62 student. I had spent the day shadowing a tech notorious for being aggressively blunt and honest. While I on the other hand, can be very shy, unconfident, soft spoken, and reserved. After we took the patient’s x-ray, I drove the portable towards the door and went back to help move the patient. Later on, the tech lectured me about the importance of driving the portable out of the way in the case of a code blue. He even went as far to snarkily say, “Have you ever been in a code blue? Have you even seen a dead body?” I think at the point, I was so fed up by his condescending attitude and remarks. I snapped, “Yes! Actually, I watched my father die cancer & my mother was a caretaker so I’m use to people dying around me. Blood, bones, and gore are not gonna be difficult for me. Its taking an x-ray that’s an issue.” Of course he was taken aback by such a retort so he apologized and promised that the next intense exam he gets, he would take me along. Later that same day, a portable was needed in the PACU for a post-op x-ray. The senior tech/ CI told that

My Clinical Rotation Experience

by Jennifer Valido

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same tech to do it and bring any student. I was assigned at this hospital with both DMI 64 & 66 students, but he selected me to tag along. Both students along with my CI were surprised he had chosen me to follow him. Once in the elevator he warned me, “We’re taking a femur x-ray, but there’s no femur there. “ He showed me the order was for a post-op lower extremity amputation.

We got to the patient’s room and saw that more than half of her femur was gone. She was a bit groggy from the medication and had difficulty moving. The tech was having a hard time pushing the cassette under her since we were trying to be very careful due to her condition. I remembered from class, trust and communication go hand in hand. Luckily for me, she was an elderly Filipino woman around my grandma’s age. My Tagalog is very weak, but I managed to converse with her and discovered she was from the same area as my family in the Philippines and in Daly City. She became much more cooperative and we were able to take the necessary x-rays. While the tech went to go check the images, the patient asked me “Is it okay to look at my leg? They had to remove it. I don’t have a leg anymore. I haven’t looked yet.” Honestly, I didn’t know what the proper response would have been coming from a student x-ray tech, but I simply told her as a

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person, “I wouldn’t yet, just look when you’re ready. You may want to speak with a doctor or nurse first to know what happens now from here. But for now, just rest. You can always look later.” On the way back to the department, the tech thanked me for all my help. I felt like I didn’t do much except help roll the patient to her side and talk. Femur and portables weren’t even on my goal sheet so I was pretty much clueless as far as technique and positioning went. We walked back to my CI/ senior tech to tell him the exam was complete and he even said, “Jennifer did a great job. She went above and beyond with her patient care talking to her in Tagalog and making her feel comfortable. It made my job easier.” He explained to me that patient care and their experience is just as important as getting an acceptable image for the radiologist.

From then on, it became much easier to work with this tech. I still make mistakes around him, but he continues to be encouraging. It’s tough love at times, but I know he wants each student to be successful. As a student, we have to remember to not take anything personally. Most of the techs at most clinical sites have been through CCSF’s DMI program. We are in a hospital, not a classroom, the patient is the priority.

10 CCSF RadTimes Winter 2015

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I sincerely hope that everyone had an excellent holiday season. 2014 ended quite well for us. Student achievement was quite high this year. This fall, more students than ever successfully passed all their courses, which resulted in an upward trend in our completion rate.

100% of all the graduates this year passed the ARRT exam on their first attempt. Employment is up. 4 out of 10 students graduating in December 2014 had job offers before they even completed the program.

Employers of our graduates indicated high levels of satisfaction with their performance.

One of our alumni, John Jang, made quite a name for himself this year at UCSF Medical Center.

He was the recipient of the 2014 Lanna Lee – GE Healthcare Technologist Award for his excellence in service as a radiologic technologist. Though this distinction is awarded each year, this time the circumstances were quite unique. Among the individuals nominating John as the recipient was the chief radiologist of the neuroradiologic imaging. It is quite rare that physicians are that inspired, which speaks volumes for John’s level of service.

I have not only the distinction of being John’s instructor at one time, but I also work with him as

Dr. Kyle R. Thornton, RT(R), (CT), CRT

Donec auctor, tellus sed mollis pretium, ante turpis viverra mi, vitae consequat justo odio eget libero.

From the Chair’s chair:

By Kyle Thornton

Special Thanks to our contributors…

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a CT Tech at UCSF. I can attest to his attributes as a team player, as well as his commitment to patient service. John is a credit to us at CCSF, his colleagues at UCSF, and himself.

To segue, I would like to acknowledge the number of current students that lost family members over the past year. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. On the other hand, your bravery and tenacity as you soldier on toward your goal of completing the DMI Program amazes and fills me with pride.

This year, we are going through the JRCERT accreditation process, again. Additionally, the RHB will be conducting a site visit in March. Anticipate a great deal of communication from me as the visit dates draw close. Anyone is welcome who wishes to volunteer in any capacity to help us get ready for these events.

May you all have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

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11 CCSF RadTimes Winter 2015

BART Positioning by Josh Roselle

Since beginning the DMI program last spring, we were told by other students that the second semester is where the action begins. Information arrives at lightning speed and the pace of learning increases at an exponential rate. Since I was trying to juggle work and school, I knew I would have to fit in studying whenever I could throughout the day. Positioning was one part of the second semester that was exciting and challenging, and one which I felt required continual practice.

I have a long commute on BART from the East Bay to get to and from class every day, so I often used that time to practice positioning. Much of it was mental positioning; no one want to writhe on the filthy floor of a BART car for recumbent positions; however, I could still point to CR locations and move my body into various positions while standing up or sitting down, all the while trying not to draw too much attention to my positioning page showing half naked people in strange positions. As a “BART positioner” I learned a few tips that I can share for future BART positioners

1. When positioning for obliques, move your body slowly. Quick turns with your shoulder jutting out or your neck extended will draw unnecessary attention. Instead, pretend like you are stretching a sore shoulder or neck; grimace a little or yawn for effect.

2. When looking for a body landmark for CR locating, don’t go straight for the spot. Brush your hand slowly near the area, and once you find it move on. Pretend you are scratching an itch or removing a piece of lint from your clothes. But save searching for the gluteal bifurcation or pubic symphysis for the lab.

3. Use other riders as virtual patients. Look at them for a second then imaging where their landmarks are and how you would position them. But be careful not to stare at them too long.

Although it may have looked odd to people when I rotated my hand internally for a shoulder exam, opened my mouth wide for a C-Spine odontoid, or felt for my ASIS while the train rolled through Downtown Berkeley station at 7:00 in the morning, it was great practice and made me feel more confident about positioning. I am excited to get out to the hospitals next semester and position real people and put into practice what I learned in class. I am also looking forward to continuing BART positioning next semester. I expect I will be pointing to strange places on my head for my skull radiography course while pretending that I am scratching my head.

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Tips for DMI Program

by Khanh Hoang

My dream is that one day I will be a radiologic technologist working as a well-known hospital in the Bay such as Stanford, Kaiser or SF General. I had taken my prerequisite and general classes for the program since Fall of 2008. In 2011, I applied into the Diagnostic Medical Imaging program at City College of San Francisco, but my name was not drawn by the lottery. There are only thirty spots per year; fifteen students start in spring and the other fifteen start in the fall semester. As a result, it is very hard to get into the program because hundreds of people apply every year.

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12 CCSF RadTimes Winter 2015

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However, I was lucky enough and got into the

program for spring semester of 2012.

Currently, I am a second semester student and I

will begin my third semester in the spring. Getting

into the program is already hard, committing to

your-self is even harder. I am going to share with

you some tips so that you are going to stay ahead

of the game if you were selected into the DMI

program at City College of San Francisco. In order

for you to do well in the program, time managing –

study habits, social life, family time – is very

important.

Everyone has different study habits and

their study habits will determine their success in the

program. Believe it or not, DIM program will keep

you busy at all times; you will not have enough

time for studying. Beside lab assignments and

homework, we also have online activities that are

known as modules to complete. The good news is

that I spent at least six hours to work on these

everyday; it could be at the library, at home, on a

computer, or with a study group. The bad news is

that I am only an average student. DMI is

considered a full-time program; therefore, it is very

challenged if you do not spend enough time for

studying. I do not recommend you to work more

than twenty hours a week; this is the reason why I

was struggling with some classes. In fact, I was

failing in one of my classes, but I got myself

together and barely made through the second

semester. Be ready to study hard and minimize

your working hours are the key to succeed in the

DMI program.

Studying hard and minimize your working

hours are not good enough for the DMI program;

you must also give up your social life during the

two and a half years in the program. I know that “

SAY NO” to friends is one of the hardest things we

could do. Even I have trouble with it from time to

time; however I have learned that school is much

more important than spending time with your

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friends at occasions. I used to see my friends at least

once or twice a week, and hang out at places that are

much less important than what I am doing now. What I

did was that I told my friends that I am in the DMI

program, so I need to stay focus on it. Therefore, I am

going to be very busy for the next two or three years. I

also told them that they should support me because this

is my future and my dream. As friends, they have to

understand you and respect your thoughts. Trust me, you

are not going to do very well if you see your friends

regularly like as you are not the DMI program.

Well, “SAY NO” to your friends might be hard;

how about “ SAY NO” to your loved ones – children, wife,

and parents? We all have a family, and yet we value our

family time in different ways. I personally, like watching TV

with my wife and son after long days of work; I also take

them out – mall, park, or beach – on weekends. These

are not existed once

I am in the program.

There are few times

my wife have little

arguments over such

things. She said,

“how come you

don’t have time for

me and my son

anymore?” I

screamed, “so much

homework and I am falling

behind honey!” However, I did not want things to go to

any further, and it seems like she need some explanation.

As the result, we sat down and have a conversation, and

I explained things to her about the program. Things have

been going very smooth for us, and she supports me

more than ever before.

I am pretty sure there are many things that you

must do to succeed in the DIM program at CCSF;

however, these are just a few things that I have

experienced. I hope these tips will some what help you to

have an idea how challenging the DMI program is. I am

not trying to discourage you, instead I am trying to help

you to get ready for it. Are you committing to yourself?

Getting into the program is

already hard, committing to

your-self is even harder.