How long has Cindra Daniels taught in the San Jacinto College medical radiography program? Let’s just say that if she were to need an X-ray exam anywhere within a 30-mile radius, chances are very good that a former student will be her technologist.
“That is always a nice feeling,” said Daniels. “I love seeing my former students, especially after all these years.”
For 35 years, Ms. Daniels has taught medical radiography at San Jacinto College, including clinical, lab, and classroom instruction. Throughout her time teaching, she’s inspired many to follow suit.
What inspired you to pursue a career in medical radiography?
“In high school my real passion was to pursue a degree in art. I also was interested in the medical field so medical radiography was a perfect match. It blends art and science in a unique way. I trained at a hospital- based program in Iowa and was encouraged by my instructor Randall Whitmore, to pursue a bachelor’s degree. He now teaches accounting at San Jacinto College and is a colleague of mine.”
What do you enjoy about this field?
“I enjoy helping people and am able to see my student’s progress and graduate. My 18 years as a clinical instructor at the VA was very rewarding as the patients were always so appreciative of the care they received. The field is changing rapidly, and I have the perspective of sharing my stories with students from all of my years of experience. Students would say I have a lot of stories!”
Where have your students gone on to work?
“They work all over the Houston area, and some have moved to other states. A lot of them come back to take our advanced modalities classes. We offer computed tomography, ultrasound, mammography and ultrasound. Every hospital I visit, I will usually see a former student. Friends or family will call and tell me that a former student actually performed their exam. It’s a wonderful feeling seeing them and hearing how they are doing, especially after all these years. What is personally rewarding is that almost all of the full-time and adjunct radiography faculty at San Jacinto College has been a student of mine.”
How does it feel to impact generations?
“That is what keeps me here – always welcoming a new group of students each year. It’s a very rewarding career.”
What are some of the ways radiography has changed over the years?
“Medical radiography has changed so much, especially transitioning from film to digital imaging. This presents challenges for teaching as the hospitals no longer use film. They are still required to know this information as it is included on their National Board Exam. The students are also encouraged to obtain another imaging modality after graduation.”
What research areas are you interested in that relate to this field?
“I’m very interested in Neuroimaging and the new developments related to imaging disease processes including psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injuries and the new NFL concussion crisis.”
Fun fact: Do you catch yourself looking at your own X-rays at a doctor’s office?
“I always ask to look at my own X-ray images even though I know that it usually is not allowed. So, I am a good sport about it if they tell
me no!”
Jeannie Peng-Armao
* Daniels is a 2014 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor; a member of the College’s Achieving the Dream Core Team, and the American Society for Radiologic Technologies; certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; and licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services.