This is an open continuous announcement and applications submitted prior to December 30, 2021 will be pulled and rated for referral. Further ratings will occur every two weeks thereafter until position is filled. Once a selection has been made, no further candidates will be rated/referred unless further vacancies occur. This announcement may be canceled at any time. The position is that of a Mammography/ Diagnostic Technologist who functions above the fully functional level and primarily responsible for the performance of Mammography, General Radiology and other modalities if applicable, within the Palo Alto Health Care System. The Mammography/ Diagnostic Technologist has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the mammography section. He/she works closely with the mammo radiologist and coordinates with the Chief Technologist, the Assistant Chief Technologist, Lead Technologist, Technologists, Radiologists, Clinicians and Clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, ensure patient safety in accordance with JCAHO, FDA, and VHA policy, efficient coordination of activities, high quality screening and diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction at PAVA and CBOC locations. Advises radiologist physicians of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the examination. Participates in the training of physicians, physician residents, students and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of mammography and how it related to other diagnostic exams. Explains the procedure to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate mammography study may be obtained to obtain diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Interviews patients for history of previous mammography, breast disease and breast invasive interventions, assesses mammography risk factors and medical history. Provides patient education prior to performing the mammography procedure addressing the patients concern and promotes the need for periodic patient self-examinations. Performs routine procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate mammography records including editing and when appropriate registering patient exams in Vista. Incumbent schedules tests in a manner to optimize all mammography procedures and the coordination of equipment, while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Performs screening mammography for the detection of physiological change in the breast tissue which may indicate cancer or other disease process. As required by local or national VHA policy, attempts to obtain previous mammograms from the indicated facility as specified by the patient. Performs diagnostic mammograms on patients with identified breast problems, following abnormal screening mammograms, or short interval follow up imaging recommendations. This procedure requires extensive knowledge of special projections and nonstandard patient positions, which are essential to resolve identified problems. Performs numerous additional mammographic projections including spot compression views, magnification views, cleavage views, axillary tail views, tangential views, exaggerated craniocaudal views, 90-degree lateral mediolateral views, 90-degree lateral lateromedial views, caudocranial views, lateromedial oblique views, superolateral to inferomedial oblique views, and Eklund's views of the breast with implants. Must check for technical quality of images included but not limited to: Adequate positioning, adequate amount of tissue, no skin folds, nipple in profile at least on one view per breast, include inframammary fold and adequate pectoralis muscles on an MLO view, adequate compression and patient motion, artifacts, accurate labeling of images. Prepares facilities in accordance with procedural requirements, calibrates equipment as required by the institution. Prepares and positions patient for procedures as appropriate; assists patients at end of procedure. Monitors the patient's physical condition and ensure their comfort during the procedure; report patient change of status or emergency situations to clinical staff, supervisor and/or Radiologist. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography)/PD00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required