Season 5 | Episode 9 | Jennifer Dugan MBA, RT(R) | Program Chair, Radiologic Technology/Warner Robins Campus at Central Georgia Technical College

Welcome to another episode of the RadTechLife Podcast! If you’re an X-ray student struggling to understand photoelectric absorption, Compton scatter, and coherent scatter, this episode is for you! I’m joined by Jennifer Dugan, a seasoned radiologic technologist, educator, and program chair at Central Georgia Technical College with years of experience in a level one trauma center. She breaks down these core concepts in a way that actually makes sense, using real-world analogies to help you master the fundamentals of image production.

In this episode, we cover:
⚡ Photoelectric Absorption – Why it’s crucial for image contrast and where it occurs most
🌫️ Compton Scatter – How it degrades image quality and increases radiation exposure
🔍 Coherent Scatter – What it is, why it happens, and why it has minimal impact on our images
📊 How kVp settings affect photon interactions and what it means for image quality and patient dose
🛠️ Practical study tips and clinical strategies to help you succeed in school and beyond

Jennifer also shares insights from her journey in radiologic education, including common bad habits students pick up in clinicals, how to avoid them, and the importance of maintaining high professional standards. If you're preparing for boards, struggling with radiation physics, or just looking for career inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

🎧 Hit play now and let’s talk Rad Tech!

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