Regina Garrard

I attribute my success to resilience and dedication. Personally, raising a child with autism while navigating widowhood has taught me perseverance and advocacy, and seeing him thrive at the university where I work has been deeply rewarding.

Professionally, I take pride in empowering students to become skilled technologists, supporting their growth, and celebrating their achievements—from graduating to advancing in their careers. I’ve held roles from staff technologist to department supervisor, keeping pace with advancements in cardiac nuclear medicine and leading teams through change.

While I haven’t received a single award, consistent strong performance evaluations and the success of my students reflect my ongoing commitment and impact in my field.

The best career advice I’ve received comes from the remarkable women who have guided and inspired me. Mentors like Jeannie Yoder and Marianne “Mimi” Owen taught me the importance of wisdom, joy, and making learning engaging.

My family has also shaped my perspective—my sister, mother-in-law, and grandmothers showed me how to face challenges with resilience, serve others, and embrace life fully.

Their examples taught me that success isn’t just about skill—it’s about integrity, perseverance, and finding joy in the journey.

My advice to young women entering this field is to always keep an open mind, stay grounded in your roots, and maintain a sense of humor. Most importantly, put your patients first and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve—you are their advocate. Even routine procedures, like a bone scan, can be life-changing for a patient, and it’s essential to never lose sight of the human element in your work. Maintaining that connection is what makes a career in healthcare meaningful and impactful.

The biggest challenges in my field are rapid technological advancements, which require continuous learning and adaptation, and workforce changes such as service consolidation. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities to train adaptable technologists and to actively shape the evolving practice of nuclear medicine.

The values most important to me in work and life are perseverance, gratitude, and living with joy. I am inspired by the incredible women in my life—mentors, family, and loved ones—who have shown resilience through challenges and a commitment to giving to others.

In my personal life, I value humor, connection, and finding comfort in everyday moments, whether it’s enjoying a good movie, sharing laughs with friends, or caring for my spirited black Labrador, Rafa, who keeps life lively and full of surprises. These experiences remind me to approach both my career and life with heart, patience, and a sense of adventure.