Graduate Profile - Kaleigh Timmins

Kaleigh Timmins Nuclear Medicine/PET Research Technologist CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) (MRS Class of 2019 - Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Technology  )

What did you study before joining the MRS program?

Before attending Michener I completed a BSc, Honours in Biology at Carleton University. My previous studies provided me with a background in sciences, which helped me throughout the MRS program. I developed an interest in the Nuclear Medicine profession after exploring different career paths in healthcare and talking to a radiologist in my hometown.

How did the MRS program prepare you for success?

The clinical aspect of the program was crucial to my success in my current position. The staff at the Toronto General hospital were excellent mentors, and I felt incredibly prepared going into my licensing exam and confident when I started my career at CAMH. During the Research Methods course, I completed a project investigating different freeware options for PET Neuroimaging analysis. As I am now employed in PET Research Imaging Center, I would say that the knowledge I gained in this course allowed me to develop a strong background in this specific area of Nuclear Medicine. It also helped me to stand out during the interview process.

What is the most rewarding part of being an MRT?

Being able to create a safe space for my patients. There is often a lot of anxiety associated with hospitals and medical imaging, and I feel the most rewarded when I can help my patients relax in an environment that is usually thought of as stressful or fear-inducing.

What is your average day like? 

My days vary depending on how many research studies are currently active. There can be anywhere between 2-5 different studies daily. I start my day by performing the quality control on the cameras, and then prepping for whichever studies are coming in that day. After the research group brings the patient to the PET Centre, I explain the procedure to the patient, and set them up in the scanner. Depending on the study, I may collect blood samples, or assist in the insertion of an Arterial line for metabolite sampling. As the patients at CAMH have a variety of different needs, I may need to coach them through the scan, or change the environment of the scanning room to ensure comfort throughout the scan. Some of the studies involve imaging up to 2 hours long, and this does not include the prep time.

What are your plans for the future?

I am hoping to stay in this area of research. I really enjoy my work at CAMH, and I'm hoping to get more involved in mental health and addiction research.

What did you enjoy most about the MRS program?

What I enjoyed the most about the MRS program was the opportunity to complete my clinical placement with the UHN network. I was able to see a wide variety of medical studies, patient populations, and imaging technologies. I had incredible mentors at the Toronto General Hospital, and I believe that they were instrumental in helping me pass the CAMRT exam, as I had hands on experience with almost every imaging procedure that was mentioned in the exam.

What advice would you like to share with prospective MRS students? 

I recommend reaching out to your local hospital and asking if you can visit the department you are interested in, or ask a technologist/radiologist a few questions! Technologists who are active in their field are your best source of information for what your day-to-day work life will be after graduating, and will help you decide if the field is right one for you!