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In celebration of Medical Radiation Technologists (MRT) Week, Nova Scotia Health is highlighting some of the amazing MRTs working across the province. Today, we feature Kameron Power, a radiation therapy student sponsored by Nova Scotia Health through the Radiation Therapist Tuition Sponsorship program.
With a love for math and physics, Power anticipated pursuing engineering during her post-secondary education, however, it was not until personal experiences exposed her to the hospital environment that she became aware of other medical professions besides being a nurse or doctor.
She always wanted a career where she could care for others but did not know how to combine that with her love for numbers. During her second year of a math degree, she learnt about radiation therapy and applied immediately to her current program.
“I love that radiation therapy is a career in which you’re able to interact and care for people in times they need it most, but also involve math, physics and technology,” she said. “It felt like the perfect fit for me and the career I aspired for!”
Power is currently living in Toronto, studying radiation therapy through the joint program between University of Toronto and the Michener Institute of Education.
Originally from Cape Breton, she completed her placement at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre in Sydney.
“As soon as I found out it was an option to do my placement at home, I jumped at it immediately,” she said. “I was the first student the radiation therapy department has ever had and was welcomed with open arms. Each therapist including my coordinator, Nancy, made me feel as though I was part of their team. I learned so much from them within my eight weeks there.”
Power was also able to spend time learning from the nurses and oncologists in the radiation department, which allowed her to further understand all the roles vital to patients.
When asked what made her experience so positive while working at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, she said: “I was included in every situation and conversation. The therapists took time out of their own breaks to explain difficult concepts, help me understand and let me practice. Even those who weren’t a preceptor went out of their way to help me learn and be more comfortable.”
Power is currently being sponsored by Nova Scotia Health through the Radiation Therapist Tuition Sponsorship program which provides financial support for Nova Scotia residents studying within the joint Radiation Therapy program of study offered by University of Toronto and the Michener Institute of Education.
Upon successful completion of the program, sponsorship candidates are considered for vacancies within the Radiation Therapy program at Cape Breton Cancer Care Centre.
Power will be following suit as she will be working at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre upon graduation, which she described being, “ecstatic about!”
Outside of school and working within healthcare, Power describes herself as a homebody. She loves being involved within her hometown community and for the past five years, she has been a volunteer soccer coach and running her local soccer club.
“I always knew I wanted to live and work at home, and now that I know this will be the case, I couldn’t be happier,” she said.
Kameron Power is appreciated for her enthusiasm, dedication to learning, and hard work in helping patients within Nova Scotia. Her contributions are truly valued! Thank you, Kameron!
Discover more about the Radiation Therapist Tuition Sponsorship.