A team on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point provides an “Inside Look” to the health of patients receiving care at the installation’s medical facility.

The Radiology Department aboard Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point consistently delivers an internal view of a patient’s wellbeing, ensuring they receive an accurate diagnosis and medical care.

“Radiology requires an understanding of several areas; anatomy and physiology, pathology, physics of the machine, technique factors to get the optimal image and radiation protection, said Ms. Laura Canfield, MSM, RT (R) (CT), a Radiologic Technologist serving aboard the clinic.

A variety of patients receive imaging at the clinic’s Radiology Department; uniformed service members, beneficiaries and retirees. This expansive range of patients’ age and ailment means the department must remain flexible throughout the day.

In addition to serving the Cherry Point community, the Radiology Department collaborates with Carteret Community College in nearby Morehead City, North Carolina, to host Radiography Students and provide them with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their future career field.

Clear communication with the patient is essential for the Radiologic Technologist to gain an understanding of what the patient needs imaged, says Mr. Daniel Bristow, a Senior Radiology Student from Carteret Community College about the challenges working in Radiology.

For Ms. Lesley Garcia-Torres, another student from Carteret Community College, helping patients feel better motivates her to work in Radiology while understanding not every exam will be “textbook” perfect is one of her biggest challenges.

“We [the Radiology Department] play an important role to help our Marines, Sailors, Dependents and Retirees receive the best possible treatment from the results of their imaging,” said Hospital Corpsman Second Class Nicholas Willson, RT (R), who also serves as a Radiologic Technologist aboard the clinic. “Radiology is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of our patients.”