Employee Spotlight: Roy Thomas, RT(RT)(CT), BSHCA
We’re highlighting the amazing work of our Radiology Department! Our Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Roy Thomas, answered a few questions about his career, his continued pursuit of education and what makes Artesia General Hospital special.
In his own words
Name: Roy Thomas, RT(RT)(CT), BSHCA
Position and Department: Director of Diagnostic Imaging
How long have you worked at Artesia General Hospital? 3.5 years
Can you briefly describe what your role at Artesia General Hospital entails?
I oversee the day-to-day operations of the diagnostic imaging department, which consists of six individual departments under the diagnostic imaging umbrella. I also oversee the operations of Carlsbad Open MRI, an imaging facility in Carlsbad. Along with other directors at Artesia General Hospital, I assist with hospital functions, I’m involved with the foundation, I try to help grow physician relations, and I’m always looking for new diagnostic imaging services to bring to Artesia General Hospital to better serve our patients and physicians.
When did you choose a career in health care and what drew you to the specialty of radiology?
I have been in health care for the past 23 years, in the field of radiology. During my senior year of high school, I went to a career fair and heard Brad Moseley—the director of radiology at Carlsbad Medical Center at the time—speak on radiology. We talked after the seminar, and he shared advice and options for school. I applied to the radiology program at Doña Ana Community College, was accepted, completed the program, and Brad hired me before I graduated. The rest is history!
You recently received a degree in healthcare administration. Can you share what motivated you to pursue the degree and how it will impact your work at Artesia General Hospital?
Pursuing an advanced degree in healthcare administration has been a goal of mine since I stepped into a leadership role almost 10 years ago. But when I came to Artesia General Hospital as the radiology director in 2020 and met my peers, I realized that Artesia General Hospital had some of the most educated directors in the area. That was motivation enough to sign up and obtain my bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration.
The support that Artesia General Hospital has shown me as I’ve gone through the program has been second to none.
Another key motivator was my family. My son is about to enter the college world in just a few weeks. I wanted this to be motivation for him, as he goes to college, to never stop learning and always pursue his goals and see them through to completion. Without the support of my family, I would not have been able to accomplish this goal. I feel that earning this degree will impact my work at Artesia General Hospital in many ways. I have learned a lot throughout the last two years in the program about business structure, healthcare law, healthcare leadership, and many other areas that are vital to growing a department and a hospital.
What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned from a mentor or experience?
Both of my parents were hard-working individuals, and both started at the bottom and worked their way all the way up to leadership roles in their respective careers. Two things I’ve learned from my parents are to always work hard and to never ask anyone to do anything that you’re not willing to do yourself—very valuable lessons.
I watched both my parents, even when they were in leadership roles, get in the trenches with their co-workers to work beside them, show them, teach them and learn from them. I have tried to make that my motto when leading. The ways I believe I can lead by example and create a positive working environment include joining technologists in all the modalities, continuously learning and always being willing to help.
What inspires and motivates you in your work at Artesia General Hospital?
One of the biggest things that motivates me is the fact that Artesia General Hospital is small and community owned. We take pride in the services we offer and our employees, and we strive to be the leading hospital in the area—all day and every day.
From the administrative team to our newest employee, the motivation to be #1 is strong at Artesia General Hospital, which encourages us all. Artesia General Hospital’s teamwork and dedication to health care in southeast New Mexico is amazing.
Is there anything you would like people to know about your job or department?
I have one of the most incredible jobs around and I work with some of the best radiologic technologists. What I love most about working in radiology is providing amazing patient care, staying up to date on technology and imaging equipment, and just watching my radiology colleagues work so hard to excel and do the best job possible—it’s one of the most satisfying things for me as a director.
What is a fun fact about yourself that you want others to know?
I enjoy watching my son play baseball! We are beyond excited for him to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level—and can’t wait to watch him play for West Texas A&M. GO BUFFS!
Learn more about our Radiology Department.