Caregiver Stories
Imaging in Alaska: Three radiology caregivers share their Providence career journeys
For three imaging professionals, Lauren, Kimberly and Kim, working for Providence Alaska isn’t just a job. Each of them followed different paths and found deep fulfillment serving patients across Alaska. Their stories shine a light on the supportive culture and career growth opportunities for those who join our teams in Anchorage, Kodiak, Seward and Valdez.
Lauren: Turning inspiration into leadership
While finishing X-ray school, Lauren’s interests turned to mammography. “I was so inspired by the people in that department who truly saw their job as a calling to help women in their community,” Lauren recalls. She immediately added a semester to specialize and hasn’t looked back.
Today, Lauren is the Mammography Supervisor at Providence Imaging Center in Anchorage. From screening and diagnostic mammograms to breast biopsies, she loves the variety of work and helping people. “I love getting to see the positive impact our actions have on our patients and on the community,” she says. “Each day is different.”
Lauren’s path hasn’t been without challenges, particularly during the pandemic. “Mammography was a very saturated field when I first graduated, but after COVID, many technologists retired or left the field. It has taken many years to build back our staff,” she explains. Through the challenges, her positive outlook has helped her develop as a leader. “Working hard and having a good attitude can really move you far in this world,” she says. “I now have the opportunity to lift up and guide others who may be starting college or career journeys.”
Her advice for aspiring healthcare workers is to volunteer, intern and job shadow as much as possible. “You may not know what you’re interested in until you see it,” she says.
Kimberly: From travel agent to Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor
Kimberly, a Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor at Providence Seward Medical and Care Center, didn’t always see herself in healthcare. “I owned a travel agency for fifteen years, but when the airline industry stopped paying commission, I closed the agency,” Kimberly explains. Inspired by her love of photography and a desire to make a difference, she pursued a career in radiology at age 43.
Since then, her career has blossomed. “After getting married, my husband and I both wanted to live in Alaska, so I began looking for a position in imaging. I accepted a job as a multi-modality technologist with Providence in Seward in 2014,” she shares.
Kimberly credits Providence for helping her achieve even more. “I just completed my Bachelor of Radiological Science which Providence made possible with the Guild program. I never thought this was possible,” she says, proudly noting that she graduated with honors in 2024.
Working at a critical access hospital, Kimberly is part of a small but important team. “We are a critical care access hospital that sees patients from around the world,” she explains, referencing the 96 cruise ships that came through Seward last year alone. Kimberly says the state-of-the-art imaging technology at Providence Seward allows her department to create care plans even before patients arrive in some cases, which can be life saving for many.
Kim: A lifelong calling rooted in family and community
For Kim, a Multi-Modality Technologist at Providence Seward Medical Center, healthcare runs in her family. “Both of my grandmothers and my mama were registered nurses,” she says. Growing up in South Carolina, Kim started young, earning her CNA and later her RN before discovering her passion for ultrasound.
After working in a level one trauma center and eventually returning to the hospital where generations of her family had worked, Kim faced an unexpected shift when the hospital was sold. “That’s when my travel work came into play,” she says, which eventually led her to Alaska, and a full-time position at Providence Seward Medical Center.
Since then, Kim has left a lasting impact. “I have started a mammogram program here in Seward,” she shares. “Being multi-modality, I bring a lot to this little town, and they appreciate me. On a daily basis I am told how much I am appreciated by one of my patients.”
Her work is more than just performing exams; it’s about connection. “People ask me what keeps me here. It is the community and Seward itself.”
Work at Providence Alaska
Whether you’re just starting your healthcare journey or looking for a fresh chapter, become part of a trusted team that prioritizes patient care, professional growth and a strong workplace culture. Explore open positions today and take the next step in your healthcare career with Providence Alaska.
If it’s not the right time to apply yet, join our Talent Network to keep in touch about new opportunities at Providence in Alaska.
