What first prompted you to volunteer with ARRT?
I never knew that there was an opportunity to volunteer for ARRT. I graduated from the radiology program in 1999. Over the years I have gained a lot of years of experience in my field and knowledge. I have gone back to ARRT to take two other exams, which include mammography (2003) and bone densitometry (2021). At the time I took my bone densitometry exam and passed I was so proud of myself. A year later is when ARRT reached out to me to be on the bone densitometry committee. When asked I felt it a great honor! I never thought I would be doing something like this and can say I am proud to tell students, co-workers, my leads and supervisors and family that I volunteer for the ARRT.
When did you start volunteering with ARRT?
I was asked to volunteer in August 2022 for the bone densitometry committee. At that time, I was excited and was reminded of how proud I was of my accomplishment in taking this exam. At the same time, I was somewhat nervous in giving my answer but found that I could not pass up this opportunity. Like everything that I have done I found that this has been the best thing with all my other accomplishments. I am very thankful in serving on this committee.
What type of volunteering have you done with ARRT?
I am currently on the Bone Densitometry Exam Committee. While being on this committee it has shown me how detailed and important it is in making sure that exam questions are up to date. I enjoy analyzing exam questions and discussing them in our meetings. I am hoping that my part in the discussions has a great impact on future test questions. I also hope to do more in the years to come.
What do you enjoy the most about being a volunteer with ARRT?
I feel with working with ARRT that I have been given the opportunity to give something back. I am able to share my experiences and knowledge with my fellow technologist. The second thing I enjoy about being a volunteer is meeting others in my field. As a whole we have a lot to share and to give and I am proud to be part of that.
If you could give advice to someone who is interested in volunteering with ARRT, what would it be?
Since I became a volunteer for bone densitometry I have not been asked about volunteering for ARRT. I have reached out to my colleagues to make them aware of how wonderful it is to be a part of something so great. I have encouraged them to look into this as well. When I work with students, I encourage them to keep an open mind in the possibilities if ever being asked to volunteer for ARRT. To me it's a great learning experience.
What do you like to do when you are not working or volunteering with ARRT?
I enjoy spending time with my family either when I am at home or planning trips and seeing things. I am very active and healthy in attending classes at the YMCA and to continue on working on swimming to build on my endurance. I am excited to say I have done two indoor triathlons this past year and I am still working on my future triathlons. When I am not at the YMCA, I also use the local Park District to work out. With staying active as a whole, it makes me feel great and gives me enjoyment with everything that I do. When not working out I also enjoy reading, listening to music and crochet projects.
Jennifer Edwards, the Assessment Development Coordinator for Bone Densitometry, says: "Mary Beth has been wonderful to work with. She has already accrued 33 hours of volunteer time, including a presentation about bone densitometry she was asked to give for first-year radiologic technology students. Her passion for the profession is evident in several ways. Not only does she respond promptly to emails, but she also donated images to the ImageBank for test question writers to use. She even brought her personal positioning notebook and other materials to refer to during the recent in-person Bone Densitometry Exam committee meeting. Gold star for Mary Beth!"
