January 14, 2019 - TCO
Difference Makers: Michelle Dumond
Meet one of our Difference Makers, Michelle Dumond. She works in imaging at our Edina – Crosstown location. Michelle’s initiative and the extra time she took to care for a patient’s specific needs ahead of an MRI saved the patient weeks of waiting and helped ease their anxiety about the imaging process.
That’s making a difference! Let’s learn more about Michelle.
What’s your title and role?
Michelle: I am an MRI technologist with TCO and work in the imaging department in Edina.
How do you make a difference?
Michelle: I strive to make a difference with each patient. In my field, there can be much that is unknown to patients when it comes to having a scan. While an MRI is extremely helpful in the diagnosis of various injuries, it can be an anxious environment for patients. It’s my job to make sure they are informed and comfortable. It’s also crucial that we ensure their safety.
Patients undergoing MRI scans are thoroughly screened for metal and various implants. This can be a long process. When information about the implant isn’t readily available, we must track down operative reports and surgical notes to identify the specific criteria for the implants. Once we obtain this we can then begin to research the safety of implants. People aren’t always aware of the potential risks that implants can create with a high magnetic field.
One patient had an implant that required numerous steps to ensure safety before and after the MRI, including a one-month wait. Through my research, I discovered there was an alternative that would only require the patient to wait a week.
Each of us has the chance to impact every patient. I chose this career because I know what it feels like to be a patient. Nothing is more fulfilling than knowing you can impact someone with kindness, empathy and compassion.
What’s your favorite thing about working at TCO?
Michelle: My favorite thing about TCO is my co-workers. We are a team. We work hard together, support each other, and we enjoy what we do.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Michelle: I love traveling, seeing movies, plays, and going to concerts with friends and family.
What’s one place in the continental U.S. you’ve never been where you’d like to travel?
Michelle: I would love to go to New York.
Thank you, Michelle, for your work to Be The Difference!
Twin Cities Orthopedics has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces for eight consecutive years by the Star Tribune, and one of the main reasons is because of our amazing team members who do the little things to make a difference every day.