The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) will be having its annual meeting in Orlando, Florida over August 4-7. HealthCare Business News spoke with AHRA president Becky Allen, about what the meeting will have in store for attendees and about her own professional background.

HCB News: Who or what inspired you to follow a career in healthcare?
Becky Allen: I was inspired to follow a career in healthcare at a very early age. This stemmed from needing quite a few X-rays in my childhood due to playing sports in junior high and high school. Each time, I went in for an X-ray, I was intrigued by seeing my bones.

During one visit, a technologist took the time to show me different structures on a skull X-ray. From that moment, I was hooked — I knew I wanted to be a radiologic technologist.

Since becoming a technologist, I have been so blessed to work with and for many amazing leaders that inspired me to continue my career in healthcare leadership. Two of those leaders, Andy Riddell and Jack Hill, gave me the confidence and opportunities early in my career that helped me get to where I am today, in my current position as vice president of operations at UC Health.

HCB News: How did you first become involved with AHRA?
BA: I became involved with AHRA out of luck! My radiology team led me to AHRA in 2004, by nominating me for the association’s Award for Excellence. I was fortunate to be one of the winners and I was able to attend my very first AHRA Annual Meeting in Boston to accept the award that year.

From that very first meeting, I was hooked. I felt like I found a group of people I could reach out to at any time, and they were always willing to help. I immediately achieved my Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) certification the same year. The last 20 years have been a blessing to me.

HCB News: What was that journey like, from joining AHRA to becoming president?
BA: My journey over these last 20 years within AHRA, to this year being president, has been an amazing journey. I could not have imagined being a brand-new manager and not having the resources that AHRA provides to its members. Anytime I asked a question on the forum, I knew I would get answers back from several members.

I started volunteering with the association in 2005. My first role was scanning badges at educational sessions at the Annual Meeting that year. I felt a sense of belonging and knew I wanted to give back to the next generation of leaders in radiology. From committee work to annual campaigns, to the board of directors, and now president, it has been a privilege and honor to be a part of this association. I encourage anyone within AHRA, or those thinking about joining our association, to get involved and give back. What you get in return is a thousand times more than you could ever expect.

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