Sarah Davis

Interview Project: Part 2

Communication 1010-003-F15
10/3/2015

Interview Analysis Memo

DATE: September 27, 2015
TO: Professor Dave Gagon
FROM: Sarah Davis
SUBJECT: Interview Analysis Memo, COMM 1010-003-F15
I was able to interview an ultrasound technician, which is a branch of radiology. I got to know her through a friend of my Moms.
She works in the emergency room now, but has worked in a family practice in West Jordan in the past.
I have been intending to enter the radiology program at SLCC soon, so I wanted to interview someone with experience in
radiology. During the interview I discovered how many different branches and opportunities there are in the field of radiology. I
also found that ultrasound seems to fit my interest in the field and my projected future the best. I proceeded with the interview to
understand more about the medical inside community. I feel that I would really enjoy a career in the same field as she is,
though I will probably stick to family practices in my future to keep stress to a minimum.
This memo summarizes the useful advice I accumulated and analyzes what I learned from conducting the interview.
Summary of Lessons Learned
Getting Started in the Field of Radiology
I found that entering the field of radiology is a lot less simple than I thought. It requires more schooling and an upkeep of certain
licenses and certifications. It makes sense now that I think about it, but it wasnt something that came to mind before this
interview. Haley explained that she got started in a similar manner to that which made me interested in the field. She loves
anatomy and the human body, she likes the medical field but did not feel the same desire to become a nurse or doctor. She
searched out a career that fit her interests, and found radiology. She mentioned that times are always changing, but when one
decides to work in the medical field they will have job security.
I spoke to Hayley about my education path, she feels that it is a good plan. However, she encourages taking an extra year at an
outside college to specialize in something. That one extra year can increase pay by a large amount, but the actual pay depends
on the specialty you choose to go into. She also speaks about rotations, where once you get your initial radiology degree you
can rotate into different areas and find out what you might like to specialize in. I thought this was fantastic, I am often unsure of
what I want until I experience it. Hearing that I would be able to try something out before spending thousands of dollars training
for it was very pleasing.
Before Hayley entered the field she received a bachelors at Weber, though shares that an associates from SLCC would open
many of the same opportunities to advance. She talked about how radiology is growing in interest rapidly, that when she decided
to go into the field it was very small and not many people knew about it. After telling me this she advised again that I should pick
a specialty, and that the specialty would help me find work that I like easier.
A Typical Day
When I asked her about her typical day she dove right into her work at the hospital. She shared that every shift there is a
different rotation within the hospital. She, being certified and skilled in general radiology and in ultrasound, switched off between
taking emergency x-rays, performing ultrasounds to find blood clots, or what she calls doing babies. The babies seemed to be
her favorite rotation. Her being an ultrasound technician, she would perform a standard ultrasound for expectant mothers. She
really enjoyed being about to find and point out the different parts of the baby to the parents.

She mentions briefly her time in the family practice. She is very much a go-getter and enjoys puzzles. She found that she
enjoyed the slow-pace of the family practice to the extent that it was nice to be able to get her paperwork done, but that she got
bored sitting waiting for patients. I feel that this is more of my flow, being able to help one person at a time who isnt in an
emergency situation. This is different than her, she enjoys the fast paced, high-pressure feel of a hospital.
Hayleys work schedule is very part-time. She is a stay-at-home mom most of the week, but works in the hospital on Mondays.
She is also on call on weekends in case they need extra help. She says she really enjoys this flexibility as she has four children
to care for. I am very interested in this flexibility because I plan on having a family myself in the future. It would be nice to decide
when I want to work, and have the opportunity to pick up more hours if I need to.
Hayley loves her job because she truly is driven to help people, but she would be intimidated by the moral responsibility of a
nurse or doctor. Being a radiologist enables her to help and support patients while not becoming overly emotionally connected to
them. She mentions that there are emotional days and that she has had patients die on her table. She mentions that she does
not feel the same emotional weight after a death though, she gets to see the puzzles of patients but not become too emotionally
attached to their cases. She goes on on this topic to explain that she adores solving puzzles, and though she does not give the
diagnosis (the radiologist or doctor does that) she gets to explain the pictures to the patients and steer them in the direction of
understanding what is happening within their bodies.
Continuing Education
Hayley explains that she spent five and a half years earning a formal education to succeed in Ultrasound. She also explains that
there are new technologist tests that she must pass every year to keep her license up. She must also always be CPR certified.
These classes and certification are paid for out-of-pocket. However, she says that it is worth it to her. She makes good money,
and because technology is always advancing it is good for her to keep her knowledge advanced as well. She also included that
there is plenty of on-the-job training when a new machine or product is introduced. No one goes in blind.
Interview Analysis
This interview helped me better understand the best path to take to satisfy the needs of my future.
Analysis of Radiological Technician as my Career Choice
From this interview, I discovered that I can be well established in the medical field without becoming a doctor or nurse. I can do
things that I am interested in, and be paid well for it without going into crippling debt. I learned that there are both stressful and
easygoing environments in this field, and that I have the opportunity to try both.
By following up on Hayley's advice, I can gain more clarity on my educational path. I truly learned a lotI had little knowledge of
the daily tasks of a radiology technician. I did not stop to think about the differences between hospitals and small practices, or
even opportunities to specialize in just a year.
Analysis of my Interviewing Process
While I dont feel that I am exactly shy in the general definition, I can feel great amounts of anxiety when I need to speak for or
about something important. Like a class assignment. Speaking to people I dont know is very nerve-wracking for me. I found that
the more I prepared and the less I obsessed over it the better I was received. Hayley was very kind and willing to explain what
she was passionate about.
Hayley was a star interviewee. She stayed right on topic and added to the questions I asked in constructive ways. I hardly ever
needed to look down at my questions as she answered almost all of them in one easily understandable explanation of a topic I
introduced. It was very nice to have someone to interview like that, it was not awkward to hear her talk because she was so
comfortable with the topic.
Being able to record the interview was a great help. I was able to really pay attention to what she was saying while she was
saying it without having to scribble as quickly as I could. It also helped me to remember her tone and enthusiasm when I played it
back. If I do conduct an interview again, however, I think that I will write my questions on smaller cards so I dont fumble with
large sheets of paper as much.

At the end of our interview, I felt more comfortable with her. We had become almost like old friends and I was able to end the
interview more informally than I had planned. She asked me to keep her updated on what I actually did, as she is interested in
helping me out in the future. I told her I would be sure to inform her of my progress, and ended the meeting.

Letter of Thanks
hguymon@gmail.com

Dear Hayley,
Thank you so much for speaking with me about radiology. It really increased my interest in the field to hear how passionate you
are about it.
I love that you were able to involve your interest in medicine and puzzles into your career. It really inspired me to pursue my
interests and seek out things that fulfil my needs. Radiology really sounds like a good fit for me after hearing you talk about it.
I appreciate your setting aside time for me. It helped greatly for my communications class, and for me personally. I have been
debating on what I would really enjoy doing and you have helped me take another step. I will continue to keep you updated on
my education and decisions.

Thank you again,

Sarah Davis