Medical Imaging

• Hearst Foundation supports purchase of high-tech digital radiography system for medical imaging
• Medical imaging majors capture first place in Technibowl championship
• Medical imaging students inducted into Lambda Nu National Honor Society
• Middle school students learn about careers in health care at annual Health Sciences Interprofessional Career Camp.
• The 5th annual Bone Academy event, taught youngsters about x-ray and imaging procedures. *Click here for link the to WBRE/WYOU - PA Homepage coverage of the eventWBRE/WYOU coverage of "Bone Academy".
• Medical Imaging student earns national scholarship
• Medical Imaging professor published in national journal
• Medical Imaging award for academic excellence given to Eberlin and Natishak
• DeMaio Award presented to Fink and McIntyre
• Medical Imaging students selected to represent PA at 2016 ASRT Student Leadership Development Program in Las Vegas, NV
• Medical Imaging Club donates to Geisinger Foundation and the Janet Weiss Children's Hospital
• Medical Imaging students presented during MU's student research poster day

2016 Student Research Poster Presentation Day

Junior Tyler Collins of Olyphant, presented his research, “MRI & UCL Reconstruction,” a study of the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to aid in the diagnosis and treatment during ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction. UCL is known as Tommy Johns surgery, and involves replacing a damaged ligament in the elbow with a tendon from elsewhere in the body.

Junior Adam Strogis of Harleysville presented his research, “Treatments of a Glioblastoma Multiforme,” a study of how radiation therapy can improve survival rates of patients with glioblastoma multiforme, a highly malignant and rapidly growing form of brain cancer. 

Senior Stephanie Piser of Middletown, Delaware, presented her research, “Ductal Carcinoma in SITU,” a study of the use of mammography to diagnose and treat ductal carcinoma, a common form of non-evasive breast cancer contained to the milk ducts of the breast. Lynn Blazaskie, B.S.R.T. (R), a clinical instructor of medical imaging, served as faculty advisor on the project.

Senior Kristen Kabacinski of Duryea presented her research, “Use of Embolization in the Treatment of Splenic Trauma,” a study of the use of embolization, an interventional radiology, in comparison to surgery in the treatment of blunt spleen injuries. Mari P. King, Ed.D., R.T. (R), FAEIRS, professor of medical imaging, served as faculty advisor on the project.

Junior Paige Shaughnessy of Binghamton, New York, presented her research, “Diagnostic Ultrasonography and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms,” a study of the use of Doppler ultrasound in the detection and monitoring of abdominal aortic aneurysms, a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to measure the amount of blood flow through the arteries and veins. Paula Pate-Schloder, M.S., R.T. (R) (CV) (CT) (VI), FAEIRS, associate professor of medical imaging, served as faculty advisor on the project.

Junior Zuhey Aguilar of Wilkes-Barre presented her research, “Craniopharyngioma in Radiation Therapy,” a study of the use of a high- and low-energy beam of photons in the treatment of craniopharyngioma, a benign tumor in the brain that often involves the optic nerve and can cause the loss of vision.

Junior Breana Mosier of Wilkes-Barre presented her research, “Low Dose Computed Tomography and Lung Cancer Diagnosis,” a study of the use of a Computed Tomography (CT) scan for earlier diagnosis and to aid in successful treatment of lung cancer. 

Senior Stephanie Jugus of Laflin presented her research, “Bioresorbable Stents to Treat Coronary Artery Disease (CAD),” a study of a new treatment in cardiac catheterization that uses bioresorbable stents to treat coronary artery blockages. Bioresorbable stents gradually dissolve and are absorbed by the body after three years reducing the risk of future complications such as stent fracture and strut malapposition, a situation where the stent partially detaches from the arterial wall.

The purposes of the Medical Imaging Club are to:

1. advance the science of Medical Imaging,
2. establish high standards of education and training, and
3. unify the Medical Imaging Majors.

Main functions of the Club include; raising the standards of education and morale of the students, providing a means of discussion for better patient care, and initiating and maintaining rules and regulations for the students. It also serves as a means whereby student and faculty issues may be discussed and evaluated by means of "Liaison", and it encourages participation in educational pursuits in professional organizations. There may be guest lecturers to keep us current in our field.

The Club is a University Student Government recognized organization. It exists as a means of promoting cohesiveness among Medical Imaging majors. Fundraisers are held for the purpose of contributing to charitable organizations as decided upon by the Club. The funds also allow for students to attend professional seminars, sponsors the annual Medical Imaging field trip and allows for participation in related activities.

All students may hold an office in the Club. President must be a member of the Junior or Senior class, while the Vice-President, Communications Coordinator and Secretary may be from any of the four levels. Elections are held each April.

Medical Imaging Department Award for Academic Excellence

This award is presented to the graduating seniors (both December and May) with the highest cumulative grade point average in the major (minimum 3.30). In the event there is a tie in the overall GPA between two students in the same category, the highest number of credits taken at Misericordia University will be used as first tie breaker. If this is the same, the second tie breaker will be highest GPA in the major. If this is the same, two awards will be given. They are presented in May at the Awards Ceremony.

Jane DeMaio Clinical Excellence Award

An award of excellence is presented to the senior who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the clinical education center as determined by the Department Clinical Faculty and affiliate Clinical Instructors, utilizing quantitative summative evaluation forms. There must be a minimum score of 89% on these evaluations to be considered for this award. It is presented in May at the Awards ceremony.
The award is sponsored through a fund set up by the friends and relatives in memory of Jane DeMaio, a registered radiologic technologist at Mercy Hospital (now Regional Hospital of Scranton), from 1973-2001. It is presented to the student who best exemplifies the qualities of cooperation, dedication and patient care while achieving the highest standards of clinical excellence.

Student Standout (as determined by peers)

Created in 2010 by the senior class, this award is presented annually to a graduating senior, as determined by the senior class. It is presented at the Senior Recognition Luncheon held in May.

Student Standout (as determined by faculty)

This award is presented to a graduating senior who the faculty determines is worthy. This may not be a yearly award. If awarded, it is presented at the Senior Recognition Luncheon held in May.

Note: December graduates are considered for the aforementioned awards the following May in the class with whom they experienced the clinical portion of their education.

The Misericordia University Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu, the national honor society for the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, was established in 2001. Membership in this honor society is based on an overall GPA of 3.0 or above and enrollment as a full-time Medical Imaging major for a minimum of four semesters. In addition, students must demonstrate evidence of professional commitment beyond the minimum program requirements, including, but not limited to:

• Active pursuit (or completion of) a research project
• Active membership in the Medical Imaging Club
• Involvement in university-wide student committees
• Involvement in medical-imaging-related activities

Induction occurs in May during the Senior Recognition luncheon.