National Radiologic Technology Week is celebrated to recognize the critical work of imaging professionals across the country.

The week-long commemoration – from Nov. 6 to Nov. 12 – raises awareness about medical imaging technologists and pays homage to the good works they do in the healthcare field.

In honor of National Technology Week, we are highlighting the important role of our incredible radiologic technologists in patient care. They have been at the forefront of imaging and treating patients through the pandemic and beyond.

Merlene Bailey’s career in healthcare has fulfilled her life’s purpose.

A mammography technologist at Community Health Northwest Florida, Bailey plays a key role in breast cancer screening.

For nearly three decades, Bailey has been in the healthcare business. She started at Baptist Hospital as an X-ray technician in 1984 and began mammography a year later.

After retiring from Ascension Sacred Heart in 2020, Bailey got a call from someone who heard she’d retired. She answered and came onboard at CHNWF.

Since joining CHNWF, Bailey has earned 2D unit accreditation at the Jackson Street Main Site. She started a mammography program, which led to Community Health’s first MQSA inspection. She also earned two 3D unit accreditations, one at Jackson Street and the other at the Milton location.

“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 67 and today she is 84 and doing well,” Bailey said. “This was a calling for me, not a job. If I can perform my duties and save lives, that’s what my purpose is in life.”

David Ives joined Community Health Northwest Florida in April of 2022. He has worked more than 27 years in radiologic technology, mostly in various hospitals in Boston area before moving south to the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Like the more than 337,000 registered radiologic technologists in the U.S., Ives uses X-rays to provide images that help providers diagnose patient ailments and determine the best course of action for treatment.

Patty Woolridge joined the CHNWF team this year. A radiologic technologist for over 50 years, Woolridge got her Mammography certification in 2000. “The new equipment at Community Health Northwest Florida is the best available on the market,” she says. “We are fortunate to be able to offer great technology to our patients.”