This Awards Program was established by CAMRT-ATL to showcase the talent and professionalism of CAMRT-ATL members and students enrolled in accredited medical radiation technology education programs.
CAMRT-ATL Awards
2024 Recipients
CAMRT-ATL Compassionate Carer Award
Edith Theriault
I have worked with Edith for 20 plus years and she is a exactly what you would want in a technologist. She is kind, caring and compassionate to everyone she comes in contact with. She just has a way of talking to her patients and really listening to them. She has the ability to navigate all the different personalities that our patients have… I have seen her first hand stop and take a moment to listen to a patients story. She will take their hand and reassure her patients. I’ve seen her laugh with patients until she cries and I’ve seen her cry with patients and hold their hands. She always puts her patient first!! She is equally amazing with children and eases their worries or distracts them enough so we can accomplish what needs to be done!
She is a wonderful coworker, always there to spread positivity and listen to her coworkers when they need an attentive ear. Edith is the ultimate example of a compassionate technologist. She loves her work and it shows. You can’t help leave and interaction with her and not feel heard and respected which is something that is lacking in healthcare now. You are not just a number to her and she listens. I am lucky to call her not only a coworker but a friend.
CAMRT-ATL Mentorship Award
Abigail Mathias
I am a Nuclear Medicine student and met Abigail during my first clinical placement. I was placed at the Aberdeen Regional hospital in New Glasgow Nova Scotia for my first clinical, and I was very nervous. My first day there, I was greeted by Abigail who would be one of my two preceptors for the next two months.
The Aberdeen Hospital has a close- knit diagnostic imaging department, and a small, single camera Nuclear Medicine department. Everyone knows each other in the department, and it was clear to me on my first day, that there were a lot of interprofessional collaborations. Abigail always made a point to say “Hello” to her fellow colleagues, as well as all the other students. I frequently saw Abigail giving non-nuclear medicine students advice on school and learning strategies, as well as taking the time to talk with them and develop a relationship or friendship.
Abigail has a happy and welcoming presence which makes her very approachable for students, like me, to ask questions or express concerns. I was made aware of the fact that I was Abigail’s first student a couple weeks into my placement. I was genuinely surprised by this, as she was confident in everything she taught me, and knew how to answer all my questions, concerns, and worries. One of the biggest stressors as a student who is constantly learning, is failing at something new and disappointing your preceptor. Not once during my time at Aberdeen did I ever feel like Abigail was disappointed in me. If I made a mistake, she would tell me to shake it off and try again. Rather than feeling discouraged, Abigail made me want to strive to get better at my skills.
Whenever I approached Abigail with a question, she gave me her best answer and would take the time to explain it in a way that I understood. She provided me with helpful constructive criticism and feedback on my skills everyday, and in a way that still made me feel like I was being a successful student and growing my skill set. It was not uncommon for Abigail to go out of her way to find extra resources for me to enhance my learning. She would even write down notes for me to keep in my notebook for further reference. A large part of my clinical practicum was completing my competencies. Abigail would take the time every Monday morning to sit down with me and talk about my goals for the week, as well as make a game plan to help me complete my required competencies. She would make a list of what she thought was achievable for me that week and would communicate to me what I had to do for her to sign them off. I was also required to have daily and weekly evaluations filled out as well. Abigail gladly filled these out often and put a lot of effort into each and every one of them. Reading her feedback always gave me a boost of confidence in my skills, because she would highlight every little detail in my successes from that day or week, so I knew I was on the right track.
Abigail was not only a fantastic mentor through just teaching, she set an excellent example of what a proud, professional, and compassionate MRT should look like. She gave me somebody to look up to, and I showed up to work everyday and put my best foot forward because it’s what she did. Her energy inspired me to push myself daily and to be the best MRT, student, and person I could be. Abigail provided a safe atmosphere to learn in, and I felt comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and trying new skills even without her asking. She also pushed me to try new things and take a step out of my comfort zone, but always respected my decision. She never showed doubt in my skills and it made me feel more confident and capable as a student. Finally, I would like to end this letter by saying just how lovely and kind of a person Abigail is. Right from the start, she made me feel welcome and comfortable at the department. The quality of care she provided for patients was top notch, and her teaching skills were the best I have experienced. She gave help to whoever needed it in the department and cheered on her colleagues in their accomplishments as if they were her own. I aspire to be a technologist like Abigail, and the lessons that she has taught me will forever impact my career and the person I am.
CAMRT-ATL Young Professional Achievement Award
Kelsi Loveridge
Kelsi began her career in Nuclear Medicine and has made a lasting impression to everyone who she comes across. Since joining our program in October 2020, Kelsi has been a bright light for our nuclear medicine program in St. John’s. She is one of the hardest working technologists I know and she is always willing to lend a hand to everyone around her. Not only is she hard-working, but she also always has a positive attitude and only wants everyone to be the best they can. Her optimistic attitude and professional demeanor with patients are a shining example of what a new technologist should strive to obtain as they begin their careers.
In the last year, Kelsi has displayed pride in her work, working on implementing an online course for BMD through the CAMRT. She has worked with numerous colleagues within Newfoundland and Labrador to improve the BMD program, displaying ways to improve the protocols that are developed. Kelsi’s eagerness to improve the quality of the BMD program is an example of her willingness to always do what is best for the patient. During this time Kelsi has also been working towards obtaining her PET/CT certification from the CAMRT. Kelsi should complete her PET/CT clinical practicum (SCC) in early 2025 and earn her credential.
With her hard-working and positive attitude, she is an example of what a premier technologist is. The pride that she not only has for herself but the department as an entity inspires me and others daily. It is a wonder what she’ll be able to accomplish in the years to come! It’s a privilege to work alongside Kelsi and I truly believe that she is deserving of this award and recognition.
CAMRT-ATL Career Excellence and Professional Achievement Award
Dorothy Bennett
With a career spanning nearly 30 years as a front-line technologist and as a manager, Dorothy (Dot) has demonstrated unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion for the profession, making her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious honor.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dot has been actively engaged in numerous volunteer roles at both the provincial and national levels. Her involvement with the NLAMRT (as its president for many years) and CAMRT (as a Board member) goes above and beyond to support initiatives that enhance the practice and standards of medical radiation technology. Her commitment to these associations has not only strengthened the professional community but has also inspired many others to follow in their footsteps.
One of the most remarkable qualities of Dot is her embodiment of integrity and professionalism. She has consistently upheld the highest ethical standards, serving as a role model for peers and colleagues alike. Her approach to patient care and professional interactions is characterized by compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a Medical Radiation Technologist.
Dot has consistently displayed a lifelong passion for the profession, evident in her continuous efforts to contribute to its advancement. She has been actively involved in engaging with MRTs, developing new protocols and procedures, and advocating for the profession. Her contributions have had a lasting impact that have improved patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of care provided by the profession.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dot has been a mentor and leader to countless individuals within the profession. She has guided and supported emerging leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of the field and encouraging them to strive for excellence. Her ability to motivate and inspire others is a testament to her leadership and commitment to the future of medical radiation technology.
Furthermore, Dot has demonstrated an enduring commitment to advocacy for the Medical Radiation Technologist profession. She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the critical role that MRTs play in healthcare, championing the recognition and respect that the profession deserves and advocating for self-regulation of the profession. Her advocacy efforts have not only elevated the profession but have also ensured that it continues to evolve and meet the needs of patients and practitioners alike.
Dot is a highly deserving candidate for this award. Her nearly 30 years of service, combined with her unwavering commitment to the profession, make her an exemplary Medical Radiation Technologist and an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of working with her.
CAMRT-ATL Student Scholarship
Ryleigh Doucette
Sponsored by Higgins Insurance, this $1000.00 scholarship is awarded to a student who is receiving either didactic and/or clinical instruction in Atlantic Canada. The winner is picked at random from the pool of applicants.
The 2023 CAMRT-ATL Student Scholarship is given to Ryleigh Doucette from the Radiography Program at University of New Brunswick / Horizon School of Radiography!