An unexpected journey: From breast cancer patient to a mammographer

The most impactful career changes can come from the most unexpected places.

When x-ray technician Morgan received a cancer diagnosis at just 31, she never thought it could lead her to helping women facing the same challenge.

When treatment led her to Allegheny Health Network, it was then Morgan knew she wanted to make a change.

"They were amazing," she said. "Everyone was awesome. And that's when I thought: 'Wow, AHN seems like a really nice place to work.'"

Morgan switched her focus from x-ray to mammography and joined the team at AHN West Penn Hospital.

“Everyone here that I work with is so kind and nice,” Morgan said. “The appreciation for the employees is really nice, too. That is different than where I came from. I feel valued.”

Even in her short time at AHN, she's experienced professional growth.

"I've grown so much as a tech in a good way,” Morgan said. “The girls here taught me tips and tricks, and I feel like I'm the best version of myself as a technologist here. I have learned, I've grown, and I feel like I'm just accelerating. It’s going well.”

Morgan also uses her experience as a patient to serve as an ambassador for AHN's Cancer Ambassador Program.

"The fact that they even have a program for newly diagnosed people to talk to someone is huge,” Morgan said. “When I was first diagnosed, I went on Instagram and searched “#breastcancer” and hoped that I would see stories of people who are still alive. So the fact that AHN can match you with somebody with your similar diagnosis sets them apart from anybody else."

Through the ambassador program and her role as a mammographer, Morgan can use her experience to provide support, guidance, and hope to newly diagnosed patients.

"I don't like seeing young women get diagnosed," Morgan said. "But the girls who are younger who come in with something, I can at least be a hopeful story to them and show them that I'm still here. It doesn't mean it's fatal."

As a mammographer at AHN, Morgan supports women not only through the mammogram, but through their entire breast cancer journey.

"I save people's lives for a living."

Inspired by Morgan's story? Explore career opportunities at AHN and discover how you can make a difference.