Season 4 | Episode 8 | Dr. Paula Dietz, PhD, R.T. (R) (M) | Program Director at Pima Medical Institute’s Radiography Bridge Program
In Season Four, Episode 8 of The RadTechLife Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Paula Dietz and she shared her unconventional entry into the field, beginning with her work in a photo center, then her journey as a mammography technologist, and eventually moving into teaching after a traumatic hand injury. Her path into education was unexpected, and she initially resisted the transition, believing teaching was reserved for later in life.
A major part of her career pivot involved overcoming challenges related to her injury, which ultimately paved the way for her current role.
Transitioning from clinical practice to teaching presented significant challenges for Dr. Dietz. She detailed her struggles to adapt to new terminology and concepts in the educational field, such as Bloom’s Taxonomy and assessment, which required a shift in thinking from her clinical experience. Dr. Dietz also emphasized the importance of mental health awareness among students and educators alike, noting that many students today face mental health issues that were not as openly discussed in past generations.
Dr. Dietz spoke about her philosophy of teaching, which centers on supporting students’ individual learning journeys and providing a humanized approach in the classroom. She believes that students benefit from educators who are open about their experiences, allowing students to relate to them more authentically. For student engagement, she incorporates interactive activities, humorous moments, and seasonal events, like potlucks, to break up the academic rigor and create a supportive environment.
The conversation touched on AI’s role in shaping Radiography education. Dr. Dietz views AI as a valuable tool for both faculty and students, assisting educators in personalizing learning materials for diverse learners and providing students with accessible resources to research independently. She also sees AI as a tool for academic integrity, using AI-generated materials to catch potential cheating by students. However, she stresses the importance of maintaining a human element, especially in healthcare, where personal interaction is irreplaceable.
As a program director, Dr. Dietz highlighted the importance of preparing faculty to meet the demands of teaching. She supports her faculty by guiding them through policy decision-making, engaging them in accreditation and assessment discussions, and encouraging honesty in interactions with students. She believes that faculty, like students, need support and mentorship to succeed and to maintain high educational standards.
In discussing the future, Dr. Dietz anticipates a greater integration of AI and technology into both clinical practice and Radiography education. She predicts more hybrid models in education, blending online learning with in-person clinical training. She encouraged students and technologists to be adaptable, continue learning, and look forward to innovations that will further enhance patient care and the Radiography profession.
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