Staff Spotlight - Emelia Rysiak
Staff Profile: Emelia Rysiak
Medical Radiation Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging
When Emelia Rysiak was just 13 years old, she set her sights on a career in perioperative services. However, after navigating the challenges of interviews and schooling, she discovered that it wasn't quite the right path for her. Fate sent her in the direction of Diagnostic Imaging. Later fate intervened again during her time at a clinic in the mid-90s, where a vacancy for a technologist emerged, and Emelia's true calling in mammography began to unfold. “It was driven by my desire to help people. From a young age, I knew I always wanted to help others,” she reflected.
Emelia acknowledges the rewarding nature of her work but is also candid about the challenges it brings. "There's a significant emotional aspect to my role that impacts both patients and staff," she shares. “Our responsibilities extend beyond physical health and cancer detection; we must also [navigate the anxiety] that comes with patients' experiences. This job requires a deep understanding of their mental and psychological needs.”
A pressing concern in the field of mammography technology and diagnostic imaging is the growing shortage of qualified technologists in Ontario. At a recent event for Mammographers, Emelia noted, “Walking into that room, my first thought was how few young people were there. We are all getting older and not as many younger technologists are choosing Mammography”
At Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), Emelia feels fortunate to work with enthusiastic high school co-op students eager to delve into the world of radiology and diagnostic imaging. She advises, “The best guidance I received as a student was to spend a day in the field. Spend a day observing—to get a feel for the job. I think there are a lot of areas in healthcare that young people don't get to explore."
Having been a dedicated member of the SMH team since 2003, Emelia not only excels in her role but also supports other areas in the DI department when needed, and outside of SMH, she also supports clinics with their accreditation, quality assurance and training needs.
This year marked a significant change in breast cancer screening: the age requirement for booking a mammogram in Ontario was lowered from 50 to 40 years. “Women in their forties aren’t receiving notifications for their mammograms; it’s largely reliant on word-of-mouth at this stage... We encourage women to reach out and schedule their mammograms with us at Stevenson…our team may be small, but we are here!”
In October, we came together to celebrate and honour Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness and promoting the importance of early detection and support for those affected by this illness.
Thank you, Emelia, for your unwavering commitment to our community and your contributions to diagnostic imaging and radiology.
