Employee Spotlight | Sarah Pagan, BS, RDMS
At Crystal Run Healthcare we believe each individual contributes to building an extraordinary team. The People of Crystal Run Healthcare.
Meet Sarah Pagan, BS, RDMS, Associate Director of Diagnostic Imaging
Why do you love working at Crystal Run Healthcare?
The thing I love most about working at CRHC is the people. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most amazing people during my time here. There is definitely a team atmosphere and people go above and beyond to help each other. Another thing I love about Crystal Run is the opportunity for growth. There are so many ways to grow within the company if you are interested in upward movement.
What career path did you take to get to where you are today?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and began working in large-scale construction management. Although I enjoyed my job as a Project Coordinator, I was always intrigued by the healthcare field. I started researching different healthcare jobs and once I learned the full scope of what Ultrasound entails, I was hooked. I continued to work at my job during the day and went to Ultrasound school at night until my clinical rotations started. Crystal Run was my last clinical site and they offered me a job when I graduated in 2011, which I gladly accepted. I already knew it was the perfect fit for me. I worked as an Ultrasound Tech for 6 years here and then became the Team Lead for General Ultrasound in 2017. I became the Ultrasound Supervisor in 2018 and was promoted to Associate Director in 2021. I oversee our entire Ultrasound Department which includes General, Vascular and MFM spread throughout 7 of our locations.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
Ultrasound is an amazing field and it is extremely in demand, especially in our area. It is a challenging modality because the images are entirely tech-dependent. Sonographers are required to couple their knowledge of anatomy and machine manipulations to acquire every image. Typically this is all done while also communicating with the patient. In my opinion, the most successful sonographers are personable, able to multi-task and enjoy the fact that you never stop learning new things no matter how long you scan. My best advice to students is to treat their clinical rotation like a very long interview. In my experience, sonographers will go out of their way to teach those that have a desire to learn.
How do you help shape the patient experience at CRHC?
I always try my best to shape the patient experience at CRHC by leading with empathy first. Healthcare can be extremely overwhelming and intimidating for patients. I always explain the exam to the patient and talk to them throughout, doing my best to answer all of their questions and concerns. As a manager it is no different; I am always available to listen and help patients however I can. A lot of thought and work is also done "behind the scenes" to make every patient’s experience run smoothly from start to finish.
Sarah's Career Path at Crystal Run:
- 2011 – Hired as an ultrasonographer
- 2017 – Promoted to Ultrasound Team Leader
- 2018 – Promoted to Ultrasound Supervisor
- 2021 – Promoted to Associate Director of Diagnostic Imaging