A 30-year marriage and a 30-year career
When asked what they want to be when they grow up, most children confidently say something like an astronaut or a fireman. But Todd Oliver, a registered radiologic technologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, wasn’t sure what he wanted to be. In fact, it wasn’t until high school he realized what he was good at.
“In high school, I did a lot better in anatomy class than math classes,” Oliver said. “That led me to investigate the medical field. My mom graduated from nursing school when I was about eight years old, so that may have influenced me, too. I discovered my local community college catalog listed radiologic technologist as a career path option, so I decided to give it a try. I’m happy to say I don’t regret it.”
Oliver graduated from Lansing Community College in Michigan in 1988, earning his Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology – and he found love soon after graduating.
“My wife, Jimmie, is a Texas girl,” Oliver said. “And she dragged me back to Texas as fast as she could.” Now, we live northeast of Mckinney on 20 acres in Grayson County.”
Oliver recently celebrated his 30th anniversary with Texas Health Plano and his colleagues are as proud as ever to work with him.
“Todd is an invaluable member of our team,” said Brittany Woertendyke, the manager of radiology and medical imaging at Texas Health Plano. “He’s an informal leader, a team player and is widely known as a subject matter expert. I truly can’t say enough wonderful things about Todd.”
Oliver was also recently named Champion of Excellence for speaking up about a life-threatening abnormality he incidentally observed while performing a coronary CT scan.
Continue reading to learn more about Todd Oliver, including more about his experiences working in radiology.
What is your favorite part of working in the radiology department and Texas Health Plano?
Things are different every day. One day, you’re working on major trauma and stroke patients in the ER, and the next, you’re doing cardiac studies and working with outpatients.
What innovative approaches have the radiology department at Texas Health Plano implemented to improve the consumer experience?
The technologists in my department pushed to have blanket warmers purchased for the department. When a patient comes into a large hospital and is told to change into a thin gown, it can put them in a bad mood. A warm blanket can really change their attitude. It instantly makes them more comfortable.
How has the radiology department found ways to improve efficiency or care?
Communication between departments is important and we communicate very well. We have three CT machines, so communication is needed to let them know what CT machine is open. We use the Vocera communication device to let the ER department know which CT machine is open and ready for use. This has allowed better outcomes to complete CT scans for our patients.
What challenges do you face working in the radiology department? How do you address them?
The biggest challenge for me – and for most of Radiology – is finding enough qualified people to join our team. Sometimes, we have open shifts. I address it by taking on extra shifts and always searching for new qualified people to join our team.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
My family and I are Jehovah’s Witnesses and I am an Elder in the Bonham Texas Congregation. Growing up, I played the drums in a bagpipe band with my father. We even wore kilts during performances.