OU College of Allied Health Nuclear Medicine Student Earns National Scholarship

OKLAHOMA CITY – In nuclear medicine, Miriam Lusby discovered a career path that suits her skills and allows her to provide comfort and reassurance to patients. Now, the University of Oklahoma College of Allied Health student has been recognized nationally for her dedication. She is one of only 11 students across the country to receive the Paul Cole Student Technologist Scholarship.

The scholarship, from the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, will support Lusby as she continues her education and works toward graduation next spring. It also reaffirms her decision to become a nuclear medicine technologist.

“Nuclear medicine technology is a rich mix of interactions between the technologist and the patient, as well as professionals in other areas of health care,” she said. “I enjoy the patient interactions immensely. Many patients haven’t had nuclear scans before and are nervous. I try to be a calming presence for them. I also enjoy working with other health professionals. The teamwork and collaboration are meaningful as we work toward what is best for the patient.”

Nuclear medicine is a specialty that uses small, safe amounts of radioactive materials, attached to pharmaceuticals, to image the physiological processes of the body’s organs. Whereas a CT scan can see the anatomy, a nuclear medicine scan can tell how an organ is functioning. These scans typically are used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, cardiac disease and other functional diseases.

An emerging area of the field, “theranostics,” combines diagnostic imaging with targeted therapy. Based on the imaging results, the technologist delivers radiation or other therapeutic agents directly to the disease site. This provides a more precise way to treat disease and potentially reduces side effects.

“Theranostics is very intriguing and something that surprised me as I learned more about nuclear medicine,” Lusby said. “We’re not just an imaging modality.”

Vesper Grantham, M.Ed., chair of the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences and the Nuclear Medicine Program, praised Lusby’s achievement.

“Miriam exemplifies the balance we emphasize in our program between technical expertise and professional growth, reflecting what it takes to become an outstanding nuclear medicine technologist,” Grantham said. “As the only nuclear medicine program in the state, we take seriously our responsibility to prepare skilled professionals, advance the field, and promote excellence in patient care for our community.”

Lusby, who is from Blanchard, said the scholarship is meaningful not only for her but also for her family. She is one of six siblings, three of whom are currently in college. Growing up in a family business, she learned the importance of hard work – a value she now carries into her education and career.

“I am accustomed to helping others achieve their goals,” she said. “I want to be that person for my patients – an advocate and a steady presence.”

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About the University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university with campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. In Oklahoma City, the OU Health Campus is one of the nation’s few academic health centers with seven health profession colleges located on the same campus. The OU Health Campus serves approximately 4,000 students in more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs spanning Oklahoma City and Tulsa and is the leading research institution in Oklahoma. For more information about the OU Health Campus, visit www.ouhsc.edu.