MVHS radiology staff takes part in “emotional intelligence” training sessions

UTICA — The radiology department at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) in early November participated in Siemens Healthineers “Emotional Intelligence” training sessions.

Their participation during the week of Nov. 4 was part of National Radiologic Technology Week, MVHS said in a news release.

Siemens Healthineers is a medical-technology company headquartered in Erlangen, Germany with its U.S. headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Radiology technologists must obtain 24 hours of training every two years, MVHS said. Nearly 50 MVHS employees participated in the training during the three days that Siemans offered the “Emotional Intelligence” program. 

Trainees also secured four credits toward their radiology certification, along with a “better understanding” of how to interact with patients, family members and even coworkers. 

“This program teaches you how to recognize your emotions, how to regulate your emotions, how to be motivated to overcome negative emotions and how to build stronger relationships,” Melissa Jackowski, president of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and Siemens Healthineers competency-management development specialist, said in the MVHS release. “I’m pleased MVHS provided this training to its employees and that the employees were so engaged.” 

Since the trainings, Anthony Dischiavi, MVHS medical-imaging director, said he has received “positive feedback from his staff.” 

“It’s not the type of training you’d normally expect with our profession, but I feel it’s beneficial for any line of work,” Dischiavi said. “The training has helped equip our employees to better handle their emotions, at work and at home.”

ASRT is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to its website. The organization created National Radiologic Technology Week in 1979, per the release. It is a registered trademark of ASRT.