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Russel John Garcia Paulo, a RadTech Topnotcher of Barangay Magtaking, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines, garnered a board rating of 90 percent and was one of 776 newly licensed radiologic technologists in the country.
The Story of Filipino RadTech Topnotcher Who First Took Mechanical Engineering
From Mechanical Engineering to Medical School, this is the story of perseverance and determination.
Expect the unexpected
Mr. Paulo, a RadTech Topnotcher, an alumnus from Saint Louis University in Baguio City, said he is ecstatic and incredulous that he was among the newly licensed radiologic technologists who topped the May 2021 Radiologic Technologist licensure examination conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission.
He said he never expected to be a RadTech topnotcher as he used to play mobile games in between his reviews and felt discouraged when the original schedule of the examination was postponed.
“My goal is only to pass the exam. I still couldn’t believe it because I did not expect this. If I were to assess the exam, it was difficult for me, at least. It’s actually surprising that I landed in third place,” he said in an interview.
Paulo said his friend texted him on May 24, informing him about his achievement.
“My social media accounts were deactivated. I was only watching movies around 8:00 p.m.; then, my friend messaged me saying that I ranked third. I didn’t believe him at first because the Professional Regulation Commission said they would release the result by around 11 p.m.,” he said, adding his friend ranked first in the same examination.
Always follow your dreams.
Paulo and his friend both shifted from other courses before taking radiologic technology. Paulo said he first took mechanical engineering because it was what his family wanted for him. However, he was not contented with the course and was not “performing at his best.”
“My grandfather was one of the factors why I took engineering. When I shifted (to a new course), I didn’t tell my family right away because they might get disappointed. But eventually, they learned to accept (it) because this is what I like. They were actually happy when they learned about the result of my exam,” he said.
Know your strengths and inspiration
Paulo said that every time he helps a patient, he feels satisfied.
“I expected it to be so easy because that was one of the easiest subjects (for me) during college days,” he said, adding, “I expected it to be so easy because that was one of the easiest subjects (for me) including ethics, jurisprudence, and administration.” The subject was one of his strengths, contributing to the average board rating and making him a RadTech Topnotcher.
Since he was four years old, Paulo’s mother has been an inspiration to him and has primarily supported his studies while working as a dentist in Saudi Arabia. In 2002, his father passed away.
His two younger siblings are now in college, studying medical technology and psychology, respectively.
Paulo stated that he intends to work abroad in the future, but that in the meantime, he is considering working in the country’s public and general hospitals.
The unsung heroes of the medical world
It takes a lot of effort to become a RadTech Topnotcher.
While most people have little knowledge about this profession, some may have never heard of them, and you’ve probably never even heard of them.
Radiologic technologists are skilled medical imaging professionals who are critical components of radiology teams. While relatively new fields, medical imaging, and radiology, have revolutionized medicine in a short period of time, such as today, medical imaging is used across all stages of the healthcare process and across disciplines.
Type Casting the Profession from a RadTech Topnotcher Point of View
Given the breadth of uses for medical imaging in healthcare, it is no wonder that radiologic technologists have a considerable scope of practice.
RadTechs are certified to work in specific imaging specialties called modalities, and these include X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), mammography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, positron emission tomography (PET), and angiography.
Being a Radtech is not just like getting a picture of what is inside the body. Not everyone can sling photons and magnetic fields at patients.
It requires specific and rigorous education, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
