In Focus

IN

EMILIO VEGA FOCUS

Emilio Vega, BS, RT (R) (CT) ARRT, is the CT quality and safety manager at NYU Langone Health.

BY JOHN WALLACE

NYU Langone Health CT Quality and Safety Manager Emilio Vega, BS, RT (R) (CT) ARRT, found his way into the realm of diagnostic imaging after an injury.

“Years ago, I needed an X-ray of my knee. A friend of mine was the technologist who performed the exam. From that moment, my interest in imaging was sparked,” Vega explains.

It is a decision that continues to pay off. When asked why he loves his job, Vega’s reply emphasized helping others.

“I love my job since it allows me to deliver health care to those in need. Having the opportunity to work with masters of the field has given me the passion and enthusiasm to learn and share tools of the trade. I am fortunate in that I work for one of the world’s best health care organizations. Professionals from all walks of life work in synergy to deliver health care in a meaningful way. NYU Langone has given me the opportunity to be a part of a team,” he says.

He has experienced success as an imaging leader but is quick to point something outside of work as his greatest achievement.

“My greatest accomplishment is becoming a parent. My children are everything to me. Being able to see them grow up and interact with them throughout the years confirms that I achieved one of life’s greatest gifts – the ability to create a family,” Vega says.

“Family is number one. They are the heart of my life and give me the energy to do my very best in all facets of my life. My family consists of my wife and three sons. Two are 15

and one is 22 years old and already a radiation safety technologist,” he says.

“In my professional career, my accomplishments are many,” he adds. “I’ve created a very robust 3D image processing lab for our department. I’ve also implemented a radiation dose monitoring system to capture our dose indices. Working with the American College of Radiology on its pilot program, we participated in the world’s first registry for radiation dose. I am proud to say NYU Radiology is at the sweet spot – not too low – but just enough to produce high-quality diagnostic images.”

“In addition to radiation dose optimization, speaking at industry conferences has also been my passion,” he adds. “I thoroughly enjoy sharing what I have learned with others and ultimately engaging in conversation with other leaders in the field. Quality and safety are my world. I want to ensure proper equipment utilization of the latest and greatest CT scanners. My goal is to provide the best image quality with the lowest radiation dose.”

When it comes to leadership Vega has a unique perspective.

“Leadership is the ability to lead a group of people and to create a team. My approach to leadership is to standing beside my team. Being there in time of need, working together in any capacity – whether it is clinical or administrative – has a positive impact on our team of frontline technologists,” Vega explains. “I am right there with my team, patient-facing on a daily basis.”

“Lifelong learning preserves an individual’s desire to obtain new knowledge outside of the formal education system. Developing an attitude where you constantly learn is the only way to succeed in the dynamic radiology environment which we live in today,” he adds.

Vega has been fortunate to have many mentors who have been generous to share their knowledge including doctors, nurses, technologists and physician assistants.

“They have all helped me when I needed and let me fly on my own as well to give me the confidence everyone needs to achieve,” he says.

His mentors have inluded Dr. Alec Megibow, Dr. Jane Ko, Dr. Danny Kim and Joan Rodriquez.

Rodriquez is the former manager of CT/XR services, now retired, and was the person who on-boarded Vega at NYU Langone Health.

“She has taught me, along with the rest of the technologists, how to be successful and add value to a radiology department,” he says.

He is paying it forward by serving as a mentor to others.

“I have learned to share information in a way that allows new technologists to absorb in a fun and interactive way. Taking all the resources available and applying them in different ways to keep things fresh and interesting has proven to work well,” he says.•

EMILIO VEGA

BS, RT (R) (CT) ARRT

1. What is the last book you read? “The Art of Mindfulness.”

2. Favorite movie? “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” I watched it with my kids on the opening day. We were excited to be able to go to a movie theater. Just having the opportunity to spend quality time with family was the best. We even got Spider-Man NFTs.

3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? I used to break-dance and still do it for pleasure and exercise.

4. Who is your mentor? My mentors are people who provide me with the tools, guidance, support and feedback I need to thrive in my career. There are many individuals who have been very generous with their time to promote my career growth. I learn from our radiologists, nurses, physician assistants and technologist staff every day.

5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Pause when I get up to give thanks to life. Have a healthy breakfast to start my day.

6. Best advice you ever received? Choose a career that you love so that you can look forward to going to work and giving it your best.

7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My mom is the most influential person in my life. She is an amazing example of how to work hard and how to love. She is a role model in how to overcome challenges and to keep fighting. She is such an outstanding person but an even better mom. She also taught me how to be independent, how to make strong family connections and how to set goals.

8. What would your superpower be? My enthusiasm. I have such a passion for my field that my enthusiasm gets others motivated.

9. What are your hobbies? I like to take on projects around the house. I am learning how to be a handyman. Woodworking is one of my favorites.

10. What is your perfect meal? Surf and Turf with baked potato and salad. Three leches cheesecake for dessert.