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Staff Profile: Emilia Rysiak 

Medical Radiation Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging 

When Emilia 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 intervened during her time at a clinic in the mid-90s, where a vacancy for a technologist emerged, and Emilia's true calling 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. 

Emilia 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 technicians in Ontario. At a recent event for technicians, Emilia noted, “Walking into that room, my first thought was how few people were there. There seems to be a lack of interest in breast cancer screening education.” 

At Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), Emilia feels fortunate to work with enthusiastic student volunteers 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 volunteering—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, Emilia not only excels in her role but also supports other departments when needed, and outside of SMH, she also supports clinics with their accreditation 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!”