What first prompted you to volunteer with ARRT?
Shortly after I passed my mammography certification, I was contacted by the ARRT asking if I would be interested in volunteering for the Mammography Exam Committee. I honestly didn't know that the ARRT had behind the scenes volunteers that made so many things possible, so I was excited to be a part of that process.
When did you start volunteering with ARRT?
My volunteering with the ARRT started in July of 2023 and I attended my first Mammography Exam Committee meeting in the fall of 2023.
What type of volunteering have you done with ARRT?
I have been on the Mammography Exam Committee. We have a great group of people that come together 2 times a year to work on improving, clarifying, and building mammography certification questions. We take a look at past questions that applicants didn't score well on with the goal of figuring out why and how to make it better. It takes a lot of brainpower and collaboration, but it's so cool to be a part of!
In between meetings, we have a login where we are given potential certifications questions in a test format. We evaluate the question, the correct and incorrect answers, and verify that the questions are coded to the correct content specification for the exam. Attention to detail is super important for this role!
What do you enjoy the most about being a volunteer with ARRT?
I always look forward to our Mammography Exam Committee meetings that happen twice a year. It is so fun to get to meet others in the profession and the ARRT employees who share the passion for mammography. It is such a fun process when we are collaborating ideas for how to improve the mammography boards.
If you could give advice to someone who is interested in volunteering with ARRT, what would that be?
Do it! It is so rewarding and worth it. You get to meet new people, improve your profession, and also expand your own knowledge. The ARRT is such a great organization and really cares about their members.
What do you like to do when you are not working or volunteering with ARRT?
When I am not working or volunteering, I love being outside, playing with my kids and dogs, crocheting, reading, listening to Taylor Swift, and watching The Office or Parks and Rec with my husband.
Shelley Coutu, the Assessment Development Coordinator for Mammography, says "It has been a pleasure having Patrese on the Mammography Exam Committee. She is such a delight to work with on this committee and is a perfect fit for this type of work. She provides excellent knowledge and feedback to the team. She always has a smile on her (virtual) face, and I look forward to meeting Patrese in person later in 2025!"
