Radiologist Observation Report

Observation Summary

On December 15th, 2015, I shadowed the Radiology Department at the Geary County Hospital. I observed for four hours and observed five different procedures. The first procedure that I observed was an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP). This procedure lasted about an hour so it took up a good portion of my morning. After this procedure, I went to different rooms and observed a clavicle x-ray, a chest x-ray, lung biopsy, and an upper GI. The IVP and upper GI patients were older than 50, but all of the other procedures I witnessed were individuals ranging from 20-40 in age. Out of all the patients I observed, their physical conditions were all very different from each other. The elderly women’s physical condition was great, whereas

the elderly man’s physical condition was fair. The other three younger patients all seemed to be in good physical condition overall.
My favorite procedure was the upper GI. I stood behind the glass and watched the screen while also paying attention to what the radiologist asked the patient to do. The patient was asked to stand up on the platform and swallow some pills that were similar to Alka-Seltzer followed by a small amount of water. The radiologist told the patient that they would make him feel like he needed to belch, but to try his hardest not to. Immediately after this, the technician gave the patient barium to swallow at a constant speed. I was able to watch this liquid go through the patient’s throat, to his esophagus, and finally to his stomach. The patient did experience reflux during this. After this, the man was asked to lay on his stomach on the platform and slowly roll all the way around so the heavy barium liquid would coat all of his organs.
Radiographers are responsible for many things.

The most important responsibility it to ensure that they are able to get clear and precise images so the radiologist can read them easier. They are also responsible for making sure the patients understand and are comfortable during the procedure. Radiographers must be sure to stay on schedule so that others are not waiting long, meaning that they need to have good time management skills. This is the only area that I may see myself struggling with because I love to talk to people and make sure that they are comfortable. As I talked to one of the Radiographers at Geary County Hospital, she told me that she often has this struggle also. She mentioned that some patients are less certain and nervous than others, so she likes to spend as much time as possible with this patient to make them feel better because she is an empathetic person, which is the exact same way I would be. I know that it is important to make sure that the patient feels safe, it is also important to stay on time. Knowing this, I believe I would be able to work hard and accomplish both of these things.

One of the ways that radiographers provide radiation safety is to work quickly and as little time as possible next to the x-ray equipment while it is in use. Another way of providing safety is to wear a lead apron. Dosimetry Badges are given to workers to wear while on the job to measure your external occupational radiation exposure. There are also laws set into place that only allow certain doses of radiation for

protection.
I saw a great example of good communication when the patient who had the IVP procedure done on her admitted that she was uncertain and wary. The Radiographer explained to her in detail what was going to happen throughout the procedure and the amount of time it was going to take. Being a diabetic, the patient was very concerned about several issues. The Radiologic Technician made the patient more comfortable both physically and mentally by giving her a warm blanket and by putting her mind at ease.
After I have reviewed the Radiographer duties, I feel as if I am capable to perform the necessary physical requirements and have no concerns.
Yes, I agree to abide by the program policies. I have also reviewed the Essential Functions and fully understand what I will be required to do.