LAHS Radiology Department receives perfect score

The LAHS Radiology Department was recently informed they were one of only three clinical sites to receive a perfect score on the Clinical Site evaluation from the Minnesota State Technical College, Detroit Lakes Radiology Program (MSTCDL).

The MSTCDL has 21 clinical sites that their radiology students rotate to across Minnesota and North Dakota.  Each site is scored on communication, equipment operation, radiation protection, patient positioning, exposure factor, evaluation of quality radiographs, maintaining patient records, initiative and compliance.

Marina Khoun is the clinical instructor for the LAHS Radiology Department. Students working this round are: Ashley Marotzke, ultrasound, Amanda Schmidt, x-ray/ct, and Alycia Schiller, x-ray/ct. LAHS staff are Andrea Berube, x-ray and Kristie Kemmer, mammography.

The Lisbon facility’s radiation department  offers in-house x-ray, fluoroscopy, CT, ultrasound, mammography, computed radiology, PACS, EEG, EKG, pressure volume recordings, and mobile MRI, nuclear medicine and bone densitometry (DEXA).

Bryan Beckedahl, executive vice-president of administration and radiology manager, spearheaded LAHS’ efforts to become a clinical site.

“I am very thankful for all of the instructors and technologists who have passed on their knowledge to me,” said Beckedahl. “I feel it is important as a medical professional to pass on that information to the students. It is crucial we do our parts to ensure the radiology students are receiving adequate clinical experience during their training which results in better care for our patients.”

The clinical rotation allows students to learn different perspectives in the field of radiology. It is also a vital component to the technologists’ retention of knowledge as it reminds them of why and how they do what they do on a daily basis. It keeps the information fresh in the students’ minds and allows them access to the latest advances in radiology.

“I am very proud of the work that the technologists perform at LAHS,” said Beckedahl. “They have been instrumental in adding service lines such as: CT, Mammography, Ultrasound, Computed Radiology and PACS for our care providers and patients.  LAHS is very fortunate to have such dedicated registered technologists caring for the patients, as it can be very difficult to recruit such individuals into rural health care  settings. “

An additional benefit to being a clinical site for students is that it brings prospective employees into the department and creates a pool of candidates from which to recruit.

“The student has a chance to see how our department operates and we have a chance to see if they would be a good fit for our team,” added Beckedahl.

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