Amal Ibrahim
Amal Ibrahim from Hamilton, Ontario
Radiological Technology Class of 2017
Biography
My name is Amal Ibrahim and I am in the Radiological Technology program. I completed 2 years of biochemistry at Brock University before making the switch. I ultimately decided to make the switch because I really wanted to work in the healthcare field. I was always appreciative of the healthcare field since I grew up in a large family with experienced healthcare professionals. I first became interested in working in the healthcare field when I volunteered at the Hamilton General Hospital during high school. I was always amazed by some of the stories that I heard when talking to the patients. Every day of volunteering was never the same. The patients and the healthcare workers that I interacted with made each day exciting and innovative. What I enjoy the most about healthcare is that you may be faced with different problems to resolve and give solutions.
What and where did you study before joining MRS?
I studied biochemistry at Brock University before joining MRS.
What attracted you to the MRS program?
What interested me the most about my MRS program (Radiological Technology) is the amount of different areas that you could potentially work in. As a Radiological Technologist you could work in General Radiography Departments, Emergency Departments and Operating Rooms. As a technologist you are able to perform procedures like computed tomography (CT), angiography, fluoroscopy procedures, mammography, and mobile radiography. Since Radiological Technologists can work in these many different areas, they communicate with numerous healthcare professionals every day. I enjoy the aspects of teamwork and collaboration that this profession requires. I also enjoy the fact that Radiological Technologists use their skills in anatomy and physiology when evaluating images to detect injuries and diseases.
How is MRS different from your previous university experience?
The MRS program is such a tight-knit group of people where everybody knows everybody. Our class developed meaningful and lasting relationships with the professors and each other. This was completely different than my undergraduate experience where there the professor taught hundreds of students at a time. The small classes and lab groups allowed for more interaction with the equipment and instructors. It also gave me a greater opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, and have a professor who actually knows who you are.
Once you decided to pursue this field, why did you choose to study with us?
I chose to study with the University of Toronto and Michener because of it's great reputation. I also enjoy the fact that Michener has a strong network of clinical partnerships. A clinical site is guaranteed with your admission to the program. The opportunity to gain hands-on experience in work environments and the opportunity to network with potential employers is very advantageous. I also love how Michener has small classes and lab groups which are advantageous because it allows for more interaction with the equipment and instructors.
What do you like best about the program?
I really like that the Radiological Technology program has a unique and responsive curricula. It is constantly evolving each year. Members of the faculty are always asking for student feedback on courses and how to deliver the content in a more efficient and effective way. I also enjoy the fact that they take into account the student’s comments and make changes to better future classes (like in the Joint Curriculum Committee). Since Michener has a strong network of clinical partnerships, the material and technological innovations are always up to date. I enjoy that the experienced faculty are teaching us exactly performed today in the clinical setting.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Through the MRS program, I had the opportunity to complete two classes in the post-certification MRI program which is amazing. After graduation, I plan on finishing the rest of the classes in the MRI certification program. I hope to have a long and rewarding career as a Medical Radiation Technologist.
Are you involved in extracurricular activities (clubs or sports) at U of T or Michener? If so, tell us about that experience.
I am a part of the Medical Radiation Sciences Society (MRSS), the Michener Charity Committee and I also played badminton with a lot of the Radiological Technology students in my program about once a week. As a member of the MRSS, I was involved in a bake sale charity fundraiser, planning the MRS Semi-Formal, and I was a part of the Joint Curriculum Committee (JCC). Being a part of the JCC was an extremely rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to attend JCC meetings as a student representative. As the student representative, I presented a student agenda during JCC meetings. The agenda outlined some of the student's recommendations to improve the quality of the program. Being a part of the charity committee was also an amazing experience. Throughout the year, we held fundraisers and events that benefited the community as a whole. I also played badminton with fellow students in my program once a week. Having the resources to play allowed us to socialize and also stay in shape while relieving some stress.
What advice do you have for prospective students who are considering the program/profession?
One piece of advice that I would share is: “if you are unsure, always ask”. Don’t be afraid to talk to the professors, current students and staff to ask about anything related to the program and course materials. They are amazing resources for you to take advantage of. They are always open and willing to answer your questions and concerns. Also, the Michener website is an incredible tool to take advantage of as well. The program descriptions, career opportunities and many more resources are available on the website.
Where is your clinical placement?
St. Joseph's Health Centre
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For more information about the MRS Program visit www.medicalradiationsciences.ca