As a senior radiologic technologist for more than 32 years at Methodist Hospitals, Amy Koulianos RT (R) (M) (CT) sees patients in a different light. Her background includes working as a registered technologist in diagnostic radiology at the Southlake campus for 10 years. She also has worked at the North and South campuses for the past 22 years in both the CAT scan and mammography departments. More recently, she has been a mammography technologist at Methodist Care First Imaging Center in Schererville.
“There is so much more that goes on beyond just performing imaging procedures that most people do not realize,” Koulianos said. “I think empathy is key in our line of work. I know I have done my job when a patient leaves that room with a smile and thanks me for helping them get through what they may perceive to be a very uncomfortable procedure.”
A daughter, sister, mother, Northwest Indiana neighbor and friend, Koulianos is a first-generation Greek American, the youngest of four born in Gary. She grew up in Crown Point and graduated from the Merrillville school system. From the beginning, she was taught the importance of taking care of others as if they were part of her own family. She has carried that legacy with her throughout her career.
“My mother, my siblings, and their families still live in Northwest Indiana,” she said. “My husband, Kevin, and I live in Crown Point and are parents to two amazing daughters. Our oldest, Christina, is a registered nurse and currently works and lives in Indianapolis. Our younger daughter, Gianna, will be a sophomore this fall at Butler University working toward a degree in speech pathology. I enjoy walking, working in my yard, crafting when I have time, dancing, relaxing at the beach and spending time with my family and friends.”
Koulianos attended Indiana University (IU) Northwest and received her associate's degree in radiologic sciences in 1991. She became a registered radiologic technologist. While working in diagnostic radiology, she continued to take classes at IU Northwest and was in the first group of six students to graduate in the (then) newly offered Bachelor of Science degree in Radiology in 1994.
Shortly after, she was fortunate enough to be able to cross-train in the mammography department at Methodist and became registered to specialize in that type of imaging in 1997. At that time, mammography was not a separate department, and therefore most of the mammographers would work between diagnostic radiology and mammography. She remained in that position until 2001. From there, she cross-trained in the CAT scan department, became registered in that modality and stayed there until 2005. She returned to mammography in late 2005 and has been there since.
“As mammographers, we wear many hats,” Koulianos said. “I perform diagnostic and screening mammograms and bone density procedures as well. I also assist our radiologists with breast biopsies, ductograms and breast needle localizations. I assist with quality assurance procedures on all of the individual mammographic and bone density units within our department. I also have participated in dozens of Methodist-affiliated health fairs throughout Northwest Indiana during the past 18 years.”
Koulianos said that she considers herself to be very fortunate to work with a great team. She said that they work well together in providing quality and compassionate care to all patients.
“Being a senior tech, I don't ever feel a sense of superiority over my younger coworkers,” she said. “There is always room for improvement and knowledge regardless of how long you have been a part of this department. There isn't a day that goes by that I haven't learned something new. I feel as though I can teach them a lot and vice versa. I am never too proud to ask questions or ask for help. Healthcare is constantly changing and, for me, knowledge is power. We have a wonderful group of smart and hardworking women.”
“Personally, the best part of working in the breast care center is forming a bond with my patients,” Koulianos said. “I really enjoy getting to know each one of them and seeing them return year after year. I have shared a lot of laughs and a lot of tears with many of them. I try to treat each and every one of them as I would my own family.”
There was one patient in particular that Koulianos remembers taking care of who was dealing with breast cancer for the second time. She had the best sense of humor and was cracking jokes the entire time in spite of her recent diagnosis.
“Her daughters had accompanied her to her appointment and I said to one of them, ‘Your mom is the best, and she has really made my day!’ to which she replied, ‘Isn't she the best? I wish I could keep her forever.’ Not too long after that, the patient passed away. Fast forward a few years later, that patient's daughter came in for her annual exam. I told her that I remembered her mom and what she had said about her mom. She instantly broke into tears. She thanked me for remembering her mom and for the care our department had provided to her. I can still picture the patient's face all these years later and it brings a smile to my face whenever I think of her.”
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to Koulianos.
“Breast cancer is very real,” she said. “I have taken care of patients in their 20s and up through their 90s battling breast cancer. It really humbles you.”
Koulianos said that many times after taking those breast images, the mammographers are the first to know a woman's life is about to change forever.
“Please make an appointment to get your yearly mammogram,” she said. “Don't let apathy or fear deter you from a 10 minute procedure that could very well save your life. We have an outstanding breast program that will help women and men get the care they deserve. Breast cancer doesn't discriminate.”
For more information about mammography and women’s care services at the Northwest Indiana Breast Care Center at Methodist Hospitals, visit its website.
