Radiographer Megan Skyers using imaging to help patients

Megan Skyers always knew she wanted to have a career in the medical field. However, it was probably fate that led her to become a trained radiographer, following in her late father's footsteps. Skyers is employed at the Bustamante Hospital for Children as one of the seven paediatric radiographers. She said that it was the days she shared with her father, Cleveland Bancroft Skyers, at the Cornwall Regional and Savanna-la-Mar hospitals that led to her career path.

A radiographer, she explained, works with technology to produce X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and other medical imaging procedures to assist doctors in the proper diagnosis, treatment or monitoring of a patient.

"In radiography, we do a lot of imaging, and we would've started out with X-rays, but the field is very dynamic and broad," the 27-year-old shared.

She said that her first day working at Bustamante in the summer of 2014 was an eye-opening experience which left her wanting to learn more.

"I was placed first in the front office to register patients, and that's from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You go for lunch and you are thinking that you are coming back to do X-rays. No, you don't do X-rays. You learn how to process the films and at that time, I can tell you I didn't like that. But it makes you have an appreciation for what the rest of the staff does. Of course, I came back the next day and I was excited to work with the children," she laughed.

Having spent over five years at the hospital, the Mount Alvernia High School graduate said it was the quality of images being produced by the department that piqued her interest and she still anticipates going to work daily as it is a complete joy to work with children. "I know that every patient doesn't do, but it truly means something to me when you say 'thank you', that's all," she said. However, Skyers shared that the death of patients sometimes makes the job hard.

"Caring for children, you need some soft skills. Some of us aren't mothers, but we have developed those soft skills. Working with children is such a joy. While some of them are sick, you will meet that one that will make your day," Skyers said. In addition to her bachelor of honour in diagnostic imaging she received in 2013, Skyers said having an eye for detail, efficiency in mathematics and physics, patience, compassion and tolerance make her fit for the job.

With ease, she moved the machines in the catheterisation lab, an examination room fitted with various diagnostic imaging equipment used to visualise the arteries and chambers of the heart and treat any narrowing or abnormality found.

Skyers added that on any given day, the department does over 100 procedures. She admitted that her passion for the job overshadows the magnitude of work to be completed and, as such, she does not find it tedious.

"I love radiography because I love to pay attention to details. I like to know I produced that radiograph and I love to perfect my craft. We have our off days, it's not just love, love, love. But at the same time, when I'm working, I want to know that I am improving as I go along ... you need radiography and the doctors rely on us," she stressed. She said that the greatest risk associated with the job can be people.

"We get a different array of patients that come here, so at any given time, you will find a mother or a father that might just be upset. Not because of anything we did, it might just be because of the state of their child or they were waiting for an extended period, so sometimes it might become a little intense," she said.