Episode 19

Radiology Career Growth: How Techs Move from Diagnostic Imaging to Interventional

Published on: 10th August, 2023

Welcome back to another episode of A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast! Today, we have a very special guest joining us, Lake Odom, an experienced interventional radiologic technologist. In this episode, Lake shares their journey into the world of interventional radiology and the fascinating intricacies of their work. From the importance of protective gear and the advancements in technology to the challenges and rewards of being an interventional rad tech, Lake dives deep into their experiences and expertise. Stay tuned as we unravel the mysteries of interventional radiology and gain valuable insights from Lake. Let's dive in!

Lake Odom is an experienced interventional specialist who has been practicing since 2010. During his tech school years, Lake discovered his passion for interventional work and decided to pursue it as a career. Fortunately, he was able to join a two-semester program at a nearby community college, which provided him with hands-on training in interventional and cardiac cath procedures. Unlike many interventional specialists who undergo on-the-job training, Lake was fortunate to have a didactic program accompanying his clinical rotations. Through these rotations, he had the opportunity to work with various doctors and gain insights from different perspectives, enhancing his skills and knowledge in the field. Lake firmly believes that having a diverse background in interventional techniques is crucial for success in this profession.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakeodom

https://www.irtechtips.com/


[00:02:40] Radiologists unsure about separate interventional groups soon. Interventional is minimally invasive image-guided surgery. Can involve draining, aspirating, or working on arteries.

[00:05:04] Active role in patient care, excitement of interventional, constant learning, new technologies.

[00:07:36] Top three common procedures in interventional radiology?

[00:12:53] New clot aspiration device removes blockage.

[00:14:14] Radiologists are essential and skilled; doctors rely on them.

[00:18:06] Interventional cardiology has higher radiation dose.

[00:20:31] Different shifts and hours in various places.

[00:24:00] Lots of good info about intervention, please share more of your experience in education and training, we need these conversations.


higher dose of radiation, interventional cardiology, radiology, protective lead hats, arm shields, gloves, technology, radiation dose reduction, Phillips machine, newer machine, specialized field, hands-on experience, outpatient job, equipment maintenance, smaller outpatient labs, diagnostic outpatient setting, cleaning tasks, longer cases, clot removal, catheter technique, penumbra device, bypass graft, mantras, misconceptions about radiologists, interventional radiology rotation, job offer, radiologic technologists, interventional procedure, Lake Odom, interventional training, clinical sites, uncertainty among radiologists, minimally invasive surgery

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About the Podcast

A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast
Career growth, stories, and motivation for radiology and medical imaging professionals.
Welcome to A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast — the show that proves medical imaging isn’t just a “side hustle” of healthcare. It’s a career, a calling, and a community.

If you’re a radiology technologist, MRI or CT specialist, nuclear medicine tech, student in medical imaging, or a healthcare professional who wants to better understand what happens behind the scanner, you’re in the right place.

Too often, the radiology field gets overlooked or misunderstood. People think technologists just “push buttons” or stand in the shadows of doctors. But anyone who’s been in the profession knows it’s so much more than that. From patient safety and advanced imaging skills to navigating burnout, career pivots, and real human connection — this field requires heart, intelligence, and resilience.

That’s exactly what this podcast is about.

Hosted by Chaundria Singleton, a multi-modality technologist (MRI, CT, X-ray) with over 20 years in the field, former college MRI instructor, and top 5% podcaster, A Couple of Rad Techs gives you the motivation, resources, and perspective you need to thrive in this career and beyond.

Each week you’ll hear:
*Career growth strategies to help you move beyond burnout and into your next opportunity.
*Stories from the imaging room that show what technologists really do behind the scenes.
*Motivational episodes that remind you why this career matters and how to keep going even on tough days.
*Industry insights and guest experts who share the latest in imaging, education, and healthcare culture.

Whether you’re just starting your journey as a student, pivoting into a new modality, or a seasoned technologist looking for inspiration, you’ll find a mix of honesty, encouragement, and actionable advice here.

This isn’t a podcast about the science of radiology — it’s about the people. The real lives of technologists. The challenges, the triumphs, the laughter, and the lessons that rarely make it into textbooks or training manuals.

By listening, you’ll:
* Feel more connected to a community that understands your world.
* Gain confidence in your career path and next steps.
* Get practical tools to handle burnout, stress, and workplace challenges.
* Discover opportunities you didn’t even know existed in medical imaging.
* Be reminded that what you do every day in healthcare truly matters.

So, if you’ve ever felt unseen in your profession, if you’ve ever wondered what’s next in your career, or if you simply want to hear real conversations from people who get it — hit play.

Because in this podcast, we don’t just talk about radiology. We talk about the life, the growth, and the human side of being a radiology professional.

Subscribe today and join thousands of technologists, students, and healthcare pros who are finding motivation, career insight, and community every week on A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast.

About your host

Profile picture for Chaundria Singleton RT(R)(MR)(CT)

Chaundria Singleton RT(R)(MR)(CT)

As a Medical Imaging professional for over 20 years, I love sharing how relatable radiology is! I am a registered radiologic technologist with certifications in CT and MRI, a former MRI college instructor, radiology staffing owner and consultant, a children's book author, and a public speaker. This podcast is for the radiology and medical imaging profession!

I talk about career tips, yes, we talk money and salary too! How to become a rad tech, and how do you deal with feeling unseen and undervalued?

Thanks for watching and listening!