Oregon Tech Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technology students Will Duarte and Cali West recently attended the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS) Future Leaders Academy. The program focuses on developing a clear plan for increasing the leadership abilities of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging professionals.
Held in Orlando, Florida, the Leadership Academy included training from technologists and keynote speakers dedicated to advancing the profession. This training focused on developing leadership skills and organizational expertise for those pursuing national leadership roles within SNMMI-TS.
Duarte is completing his fourth-year clinical externship at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. This is his second year attending an SNMMI Academy.
“Since this was my second leadership academy, I was especially excited to meet committee chairs and established leaders, particularly those involved with the Professional Development Committee, which plans and runs the various leadership academies. I wanted to better understand how I could get involved and contribute in a meaningful and lasting way,” Duarte said.
West is completing her fourth-year clinical externship at Providence Hospital in Missoula, Montana.
“I see this experience benefiting me in a very positive way,” West said. “It has helped me to better understand how I can contribute my knowledge and skills beyond a clinical role. I plan to use what I learned at the academy to be an engaged and supportive technologist, then eventually take on a leadership role.”
West shared that representing Oregon Tech at the academy and conference allowed her to be a positive reflection of the education, values, and continued support she has received as a student. “The program has given me a strong foundation in Nuclear Medicine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect and represent my knowledge and skills from Oregon Tech at the conference,” West said.
Duarte also shared that representing the university on a national stage was a point of pride and gratitude. “It motivates me to give back in any way I can, whether that is through leadership, mentorship, or helping open doors for future students who want to pursue similar opportunities,” he said. “I left Orlando feeling thankful for the opportunity, encouraged by the people I met, and motivated to continue learning and contributing as I move forward in my career.”
###
