Talisha Hunt, BSRT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
MIRS Alumni Spotlight
Describe your career and current position, role and responsibilities.
I am very proud to say I just celebrated my 14th anniversary as a sonographer at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. This was my first job out of college and wasn’t certain at that time what the future held but I knew I needed to go for it! I’m currently a lead sonographer and have enjoyed this position for 3 years now providing leadership, building commitment, educating and training personnel, and taking care of our main priority, “the needs of the patient come first”. I am registered through ARDMS in the specialties of Abdomen, OB/GYN, Vascular, Adult Echocardiography and Pediatric Sonography.
Describe your personal life, family, hobbies, and interests.
Originally I’m from Arkansas as an only child and migrated over to the great land of Oklahoma to attend college. I’m happily married of 8 years to Chris, whom is from North Carolina, and we have fun with the kids. James is 18, a senior in high school and currently looking at colleges to attend next fall. Charlotte is 15, a sophomore in high school and she is active in volleyball and the joys of the driving permit! We enjoy traveling together, scuba diving, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and a fan of indoor spinning on our Peloton bike.
What are you most proud of professionally and personally?
I’m proud that I was able to come out of my box and challenge myself to things that may seem near impossible. My peers including other OU alumni encouraged and pushed me to move forward and succeed. Volunteering is a way to give back to the profession in which I find very rewarding. I have served on the SDMS Board of Directors, actively participated in other committees and task forces, became a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography as well as an item writer for the ARDMS for the pediatric sonography examination. There were happy tears when I had my first book chapter published on liver, renal and pancreas transplantation for sonography just a couple years ago. I have been invited and lectured at the SDMS annual fall conference a few times and have won a couple of poster competitions there as well.
How has your education from the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (formally Radiologic Technology) impacted your career?
Looking back, I’m very fortunate I applied to this fantastic CAAHEP program and got accepted the first time around. I didn’t look at any other programs and I just had that “gut feeling”. I later found out, this decision and route doesn’t come as easily for others. I just knew I wanted to get a degree in something I had a passion for and OUHSC seemed to be the best fit and I had to give it my all. I believe this initial fire and motivation has carried me throughout my career journey. The education and experience is my backbone that holds sonography close to my heart and desire to strive for something new and exciting around the corner.
Describe a special memory from when you were a student in the program.
I truly value the friendships made at OUSHC. These friends became a family as we were all enduring the program together. The study sessions, dinners out, trips together and sharing the excitement of weddings and babies will be something I will never forget. I also found impressive that the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator were very active in professional organizations. They were very inspiring then and still are to this day. They set the tone for the students for what our profession and career really looks like. I thank them for the leaders they are!
Given what you know now, is there anything you would do differently if you were just starting your healthcare career?
The number one thing I found valuable is the observation time. I encourage anyone interested in sonography or those who aren’t quite sure what they are looking for to have some job shadowing experience. I personally traveled to various local areas and observed all radiology modalities and found my passion and love for sonography. Once I made that decision, it was it for me! I couldn’t be any happier and wouldn’t change a thing!
What would you like prospective students to know before they select a career in your profession &/or any healthcare career?
As a sonographer, there are two important things to take away for those just beginning their career path. I can’t express enough how proper ergonomics is crucial for a long-standing profession. Education is provided so don’t ignore it and listen to your body, as injuries and burn out are significant issues when choosing this pathway. Routine stretching and maintaining safe scanning positions are a must! It’s also important to understand you aren’t going to have all the answers. Remember, it’s ok to ask questions and look for guidance and help. You learn so much during your first six months to year!