The opportunity to practice medicine at one of the nation’s leading hospitals was one of the main reasons that Sarah Hogan wanted to work at Cleveland Clinic. “I knew Cleveland Clinic had an excellent reputation. And when I got here, I saw a lot of really progressive medicine that you don’t see everywhere,” says Sarah, who is a Lead Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus. 

Another incentive was the attractive benefits package (which starts on Day 1). “Benefits were one of the main things that stuck out to me. My husband and I plan on having a family in the near future, so we wanted excellent healthcare benefits.” 

Learning a new skill set 

Sarah started as a Staff Technologist in March 2023. When her current position as Lead Technologist came open, she welcomed the opportunity. “Ever since I graduated, I’ve wanted to get into management, but I wanted experience with patients first,” she says.  

She’s found that management requires a different skill set. “Before, I primarily focused on patients, but now I also have to consider our caregivers. 

“I help facilitate all of the daily workflows and any challenges that arise, and make sure exams are the correct ones for the patient. It’s given me a more full-circle understanding of everything.” 

Sarah credits her manager, Tracy Painter, for helping her adapt to her new role. “Tracy has been very supportive in helping me build that skill set,” she says. “We sit down weekly, and she asks, ‘What can I do for you?’ I tell her what I’m struggling with, and she helps me progress.”  

The privilege of helping patients 

As a CT Technologist, Sarah and her team provide images for doctors to help them diagnose and treat patients. Sarah’s natural sensitivity and empathy toward her patients inform her work. “It is a joy to be able to do this job,” she says. “We see patients when they are sickest and try to give them a little light and ease their day.” 

The chance to see her patients’ progress over the course of treatment is especially meaningful to her. “It’s nice to see them come back and be thriving after previous struggles,” she says. “These are the people we do this for. And that makes me want to come back the next day.” 

A strong team 

Sarah also appreciates collaborating with her team. “We work together every day. We all understand people. We all support each other. It’s important to have a team around you who can make things the best for you.”  

She notes her team’s attention to detail when treating patients. “Our department has always prioritized doing the correct thing, with the goal of getting it 100% correct each time,” she says. “Together, we bring at least 5-6 people into one patient’s exam to make sure they get the right test for the right thing.”  

Advice to potential caregivers 

Sarah believes that caregivers who strive to be their very best would do well to come to work at Cleveland Clinic. Citing her team as an example, she notes, “The technologists we work with are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. You can learn to be the best technologist you can be.”