Her Story
About Janet
Janet Sabutis: Strength, Family, and a Journey Built From Resilience
Janet Sabutis’s story begins with her family’s journey as Vietnamese refugees arriving in the United States with limited resources, but carrying an abundance of determination, hope, and love for their children. As the youngest of seven daughters, Janet grew up in a home where sacrifice was ordinary, and resilience was quietly modeled every day by her parents.
Her childhood was shaped by contrasts. Life was not always easy, she experienced poverty, lived in low-income housing, navigated ESL classrooms, and faced moments of feeling different or out of place. Like many children of immigrants, she learned early how to adapt—watching closely, working hard, and trying to find her footing in environments that didn’t always reflect her background.
Yet when Janet speaks about her upbringing, she does not lead with hardship. She leads with gratitude. Her parents, though limited in means, gave everything they could. Their love and sacrifice became the foundation of her strength, shaping not only who she is, but how she moves through the world.
A Journey Forward, One Step at a Time
Janet attended Clarkson College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and began shaping her path toward healthcare. After graduation, the transition into her career was not immediate. Like many young professionals, she faced uncertainty and struggled to find her first opportunity in her field.
Instead of stepping back, she chose to step forward in a different way. Janet volunteered in healthcare settings to gain experience, build confidence, and stay close to the work she knew she wanted to pursue. That season of volunteering became a turning point; quiet but powerful laying the groundwork for everything that followed.
A Career Built Through Dedication and Care
In 2015, Janet began working in CT imaging at Nebraska Medicine, stepping into a field where precision and patient care intersect in deeply meaningful ways. It was the beginning of a career that would grow steadily through experience, responsibility, and commitment.
In 2016, she expanded her work into CT and MRI at Bellevue Medical Center, where she continues to serve today. There, she has grown into her role through years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-demand clinical environment.
Since 2022, Janet has also worked at Children’s Nebraska, where she brings her expertise into pediatric imaging. Working with children and families has added another layer of meaning to her career reminding her daily of the importance of patience, compassion, and calm presence in moments that can feel uncertain for patients and families alike.
Across all her roles, Janet has navigated some of the most real challenges in healthcare today staffing shortages, complex patient behaviors, and maintaining safety in CT and MRI environments. Even in difficult moments, she remains grounded in her commitment to patient care and teamwork.
At the same time, she sees hope in where the field is going. Advancements in technology and the growing role of artificial intelligence in medical imaging represent opportunity; ways to improve efficiency, accuracy, and ultimately, patient outcomes.
The Heart Behind the Work
At the center of Janet’s life is her family. She has been with her husband, Tim, since 2009 and married him in 2017. Together, they are raising two daughters who are her greatest source of motivation and strength.
Her children are the reason she pushes forward on hard days, the reason she values stability, and the reason she continues to grow. For Janet, success is not just about career milestones, it is about the example she sets at home: one of perseverance, kindness, and quiet strength.
Living by Values That Matter
Janet’s life is guided by simple but deeply held values: building genuine relationships, treating others with respect, helping when she can, and striving to improve herself continuously. She believes in showing up fully both at work and at home and in growing through every stage of life, even when the path is not linear.
Her journey is not defined by one defining moment, but by a series of steady choices to keep going, keep learning, and keep building.
Closing Reflection
From her beginnings as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees to her career in healthcare imaging, Janet Sabutis embodies resilience shaped by love, family, and quiet determination. Her story is one of becoming of growing through challenge, holding onto gratitude, and turning lived experience into purpose.
In every chapter of her life, she carries the same foundation forward: strength built not from ease, but from endurance; and a heart anchored in the people who matter most.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janet
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong support system behind me. My parents, my husband, my children, my close family and friends. Also all my teachers/professors and mentors throughout my life. They have been my foundation, providing guidance, encouragement, and perspective through every stage of my journey.
Their support has allowed me to stay grounded, resilient, and focused, especially during the more challenging moments in both my personal life and career. Having people I can lean on, learn from, and grow with has shaped not only who I am as a professional, but who I am as a person.
Because of them, I am able to show up every day with purpose, strength, and the drive to continue improving, for my patients, my team, and my family.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received and continue to live by; is to never stop learning and growing. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and I believe staying open, adaptable, and committed to growth is what allows you to keep moving forward.
That mindset has helped me navigate change, take on new challenges, and continue building both my confidence and skillset over time. When you approach your career with a willingness to learn, you create opportunities for yourself and expand what you’re capable of.
It’s a perspective that keeps me grounded, motivated, and ready for whatever comes next.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to go after what you want without hesitation. Don’t limit yourself based on doubt, fear, or what you think is expected of you.
I grew up in a family of all girls, and my mom and sisters always reinforced the belief that we are capable of anything we set our minds to. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape how I show up in my work and life.
I would encourage young women to trust their abilities, stay curious, and not be afraid to take up space. You are more capable than you realize, and your voice and contributions matter in every room you step into.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field today center around staffing, patient acuity, and the increasing demand for timely, high-quality care. In a pediatric hospital environment, we often face limited staffing while caring for a high volume of complex and critically ill patients. This requires strong prioritization, clear communication, and the ability to stay calm and efficient in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
Despite these challenges, they have also strengthened my adaptability and teamwork. Every day requires balancing speed, safety, and accuracy while ensuring each patient receives the best possible care.
At the same time, there are exciting opportunities emerging in healthcare, particularly with advancements in technology and artificial intelligence. These tools are beginning to support radiologists and clinical teams by improving reporting efficiency, streamlining workflows, and enhancing overall care delivery. I see this as an opportunity to continue growing alongside these innovations and integrating them into practice in a way that ultimately benefits both patients and providers
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, kindness, respect, honesty, and purpose. I believe in showing up as your authentic self and leading with sincerity in everything you do.
I place a strong emphasis on treating others and myself with kindness and respect, both inside and outside of work. To me, how you treat people matters just as much as the work you produce.
I also value being purposeful and high-performing in what I do. I strive to bring my best effort consistently, while maintaining compassion, professionalism, and genuine connection with those around me.
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