Her Story
About Shazia
Shazia Chaudhry is a medical imaging professional and clinical educator with nine years of experience in the healthcare industry, specializing in radiologic and CT technology. She currently serves as a CT Clinical Instructor at Inova Health System in Springfield, Virginia, while continuing her work as a CT Technologist and Radiologic Technologist. Chaudhry holds an Associates in Applied Science from NOVA Community College, where she began in radiography before cross-training into CT. Her areas of expertise include performing CAT scans, cardiac scans, pediatric cardiac scans, and complex trauma studies at a Level I trauma center. She is also actively involved in cross-training technologists from other modalities into CT and holds credentials in both radiography and CT. Chaudhry is a member of the ASRT and has applied for volunteering opportunities with ART. Outside of her professional roles, she volunteers with Islamic Relief.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shazia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to wanting to be in a field helping people. Friends in the field intrigued me and I got into schooling. Originally thought ultrasound but glad I chose this as it's more trauma-friendly and exciting. It was by chance but must have been my purpose.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentors and managers with 30 years experience advise to jump into whatever you want to do without hesitation. To get successful you have to fail a few times. Don't be afraid of failure as it's part of the process.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
This field is not for everybody. You have to be compassionate and willing to help people without judging them. It's intense so think outside the box and it's physical. No holidays or weekends off as hospitals never close. It's not a desk 9-to-5 job. If you want to help people and make a difference in somebody's life then yes this is for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenge is being very short-staffed since COVID with a big exodus at the beginning and people scared to come into the field. We're much busier than before COVID so trying to get the right people to come in while juggling short staffing and high numbers is very challenging.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and good morals whether at work or outside. Taking ownership of your mistakes is a big one I teach my students. If you're not honest I don't know if I can trust you to take care of a human life. Compassion is essential because we're taking care of people at their worst and sometimes at our mercy.
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