Women in Radiology and the Path to Success

Chalonda Jones-Thomas DHA(c) MAEd. RT (R)(MR)(CT)(ARRT) is a pioneering radiologic technologist who has broken barriers in a male-dominated field. Her insights on patient advocacy, continuous education, and technologists' critical role in healthcare is a valuable conversation everyone needs to hear. Discover her personal stories of overcoming challenges, mentoring the next generation, and balancing a demanding career with family life. Whether you’re a student exploring career options or a professional seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable lessons on achieving success and making a lasting impact in radiology sciences.

Breaking Barriers: Keys to Success for Women in Radiology - Lessons from Chalonda Jones-Thomas

The field of radiology is evolving, and with it, the roles of women within the industry. Recently, I had the opportunity to hear from Chalonda Jones-Thomas DHA(c) MAEd. RT (R)(MR)(CT)(ARRT) on the "A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast," an inspiring figure whose journey through radiology highlights essential strategies and insights for women striving to make their mark in this specialized field. Here are 3 things our comprehensive discussion unwrapped, focusing on a general rule, the process, and the keys to broader success.

General Rule: Advocate for Your Patients and Yourself

Chalonda emphasizes a foundational principle that has guided her career: "Radiologists and technologists must advocate for their patients and themselves." This double-edged rule helps ensure patient safety, care quality, and the professional growth and acknowledgment of technologists in the medical hierarchy.

The Process: Passion and Continuous Education

1. Passion for Patient Care and the Field:

Chalonda’s success stems from her genuine passion for radiologic sciences and her investment in the field. When faced with challenging scenarios, such as disagreeing with a doctor's decision, she recalls the importance of standing firm for patient advocacy while documenting everything meticulously.

2. Invest in Learning and Specialty Diversification:

Chalonda's journey was a struggle passing physics to start the radiography program. She urges the pursuit of continuous education, exploring different teaching methods, and diversifying one's specialties in radiology—whether in nuclear medicine, CT, or mammography. Investing in her learning of the MR registry, Chalonda made a high 90 on the registry, the first attempt!

3. Mentorship and Community Involvement:

Becoming a mentor and engaging in educational outreach have been pivotal elements of Chalonda's career. Her work with community colleges, high schools, and public health events underscores the importance of giving back and shaping the future generation of radiologic technologists.

Keys to Broader Success

1. Persistence and Flexibility:

Chalonda’s transition from nearly becoming a social worker to a celebrated leader in radiology is a testament to persistence and adaptability. These traits enabled her to navigate through academic challenges and seize new opportunities without fear.

2. Building Trust and Professional Relationships:

The trust and support Chalonda received from doctors are integral to her story. By proving her expertise and professionalism, she has garnered respect and acknowledgment, often being invited to lead discussions in interdisciplinary panels.

3. Role Models and Breaking Stereotypes:

Chalonda has shattered glass ceilings and become a role model. She encourages other radiology women to seek mentors and role models they resonate with, to help navigate their careers and overcome barriers.

4. Exploring New Frontiers:

Chalonda's advice to "explore new opportunities" reflects her own career trajectory—from negotiating her return to a former school under favorable conditions to becoming a consultant for the federal government. Her story illustrates that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected and rewarding professional paths.

Conclusion

Chalonda Jones-Thomas’s journey through the field of radiology is a compelling mix of advocacy, continuous learning, and perseverance. For women looking to succeed in radiology—or any other challenging field—the principles extracted from her story serve as a guiding light. Advocate for your patients and yourself, remain passionate and curious, diversify your skill set, and don’t shy away from new opportunities and roles. By doing so, you can forge a path of success and inspire the next generation of radiologic technologists.

Follow Chalonda Jones-Thomas DHA(c) MAEd. RT (R)(MR)(CT)(ARRT) Story and More

For those interested in diving deeper into Chalonda’s experiences and insights, catch the full episode on "A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast." Stay connected and continue to follow stories of groundbreaking professionals shaping the future of radiology. 🌟

Honorable mention to the women of radiology who have been guests and supporters of, not only my podcast, but of other women in the field.

Jennifer Thompson Ed.D, MSM, BSRT R.T.(R)(QM)(ARRT) Hayley Olson Kristin Beinschroth, Ph.D ABD, MPH, BSRS, R.T.(R), CHES Marsha M Dunn MSHA, R.T. (R)(M)(ARRT) Pariss Jackson

This article aims to celebrate the contributions of women in radiology and share practical insights for those aspiring to thrive in this field.