Meet Patrick Charles, a medical imaging technologist at the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. When it comes to providing quality services and reassuring his patients, Mr. Charles relies on cheerfulness, compassion and effective communication. It’s clear that when he chose this speciality, he found his calling.
Mr. Charles, can you tell us how you came to pursue a career as a medical imaging technologist?
“I initially studied computer science. However, I yearned for a profession that involved more contact with the public. While working in housekeeping at St. Mary’s Hospital Centre, I chatted with a technologist in the Medical Imaging Department. This encounter most certainly played a part in my career choice.
I then enrolled in the Diagnostic Imaging Technology program at Dawson College. In June 2014, I graduated with my DEC, which led directly to the job market. Graduates who earn this diploma are qualified to work in general radiology or to receive on-the-job training to perform computed tomography (commonly known as CT scans), minor interventions under fluoroscopy and other imaging modalities. When I was in school, ultrasound was also part of the program, which is not the case today.”
What was your first job in healthcare?
“As previously mentioned, I started out in the healthcare network at St. Mary’s Hospital Centre in 2007. As a student, I worked part-time in Food Services then in the Hygiene and Sanitation Department.
After earning my DEC, I secured a departmental transfer. In late June 2014, I kicked off my career in general radiology, which is part of the Hospital Services Directorate.”
What are your primary responsibilities?
“My main speciality is computed tomography, which produces three-dimensional x-ray images of the inside of the body. This involves positioning the patient on a table that moves through an x-ray machine. This procedure is quick and commonly used to identify health issues in an emergency situation such as a trauma, for example.
Before proceeding, I prepare the patient by tailoring my approach to suit their needs. I talk with them, review their medical history as well as the contraindications, among other things. I sometimes use my basic nursing skills to insert an intravenous catheter. I also see to the preparation of certain products such as iodine-based contrast agents.
Once the images have been acquired, I assess them for quality and also make sure that they match the technical factors that were used. I also keep a record of the examination process, so that all the parties concerned have an accurate account of my intervention. Compliance with safe practices is paramount as we use radiation.
In addition to computerized tomography, I also perform magnetic resonance imaging and general radiography procedures.”
What are your greatest challenges?
“There’s a physical component to my job. I’m often on my feet and also have to position patients. Furthermore, this job requires intense focus, particularly when it comes to ensuring the compliance and quality of the images and the proper use of products, even when decisions have to be made very quickly. The patient’s condition is also an issue. We must avoid causing them more pain when handling them.
Our profession is rarely recognized in the way it deserves, even though we are the “eyes of medicine”. As you know, there really aren’t any other ways to see inside the human body quickly and non-invasively.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“I’ve been at the Lakeshore General Hospital since September 2020, and I’m part of a highly dedicated team. My colleagues are passionate and care about the well-being of the patients and work cohesively.
I love working with the public and am kind and caring towards my patients. I find it rewarding when a patient tells me they appreciated the welcome they were given, the care they received, and the answers provided to their questions.
Professionally-speaking, I welcome the opportunity to use the various medical imaging modalities, which enables me to broaden my knowledge. In fact, knowledge sharing is an integral part of my professional development. Interactions with the physicians, nurses and other professionals are highly stimulating.”
What would you say to a younger individual who is thinking about a career in your field?
To start, they should enjoy teamwork, overcoming challenges and working with the public. Medical imaging is a fast-paced field that often gets the adrenaline pumping. Being empathetic, compassionate and methodical are also great assets.
Being good in mathematics, physics and biology is essential.”
Mr. Charles kindly agreed to share some aspects of his personal life with us…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
“I was born in Montréal, and am the youngest of three children. We lived in Laval then moved to Ahuntsic-Cartierville. Today, I live in Vaudreuil with my fiancée.
My extended family consists, among other things, of nurses, physicians and even the director of a medical laboratory.”
What do you do to relax?
“I enjoy woodworking; it’s an art form that cannot be rushed. It’s a nice contrast to my day-to-day work. In winter, I enjoy the outdoors, particularly skating. Also, you won’t hear me turn down an online gamming session!”
Do you have a hidden talent?
“I’m quite adept when it comes to electronics. It’s not uncommon for me to offer my services to repair a computer!”
“Young patients sometimes ask me about my job. Nothing makes me happier than to tell them about it. Who knows, perhaps some of them will choose a career in medical imaging,” explains our featured guest with a smile. Pictured here, from left to right, are a few of his co-workers: Emilie Caron-Nadeau and Ghyslain Le Sieur, medical technologists; Jamie Palmer, porter, assistant technologist, and Mathieu Sabourin, medical technologist.
“Medical imaging has a fascinating aspect to it. It’s the meeting of photography and medicine. Every modality has its specific purpose and they often complement one another,” explains Mr. Charles.