Kari A. Olmsted, BS, RVT

Technical Director, Vascular Laboratory
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, NH

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

I have been in the vascular technology profession since 1997, RVT credential obtained in 1998.

What made you decide to enter vascular technology as a career?

I took a Health Occupations class in high school, where one of the rotations was to spend two hours a day in a radiology department and I found that medical imaging was fascinating. I visited Oregon Institute of Technology and their Vascular Imaging program was exactly what I was looking for as a career. They described that in our field, diagnosing vascular disease goes far beyond collecting images of the disease. We have incredible responsibility to the patient and physician as we are on the ‘front lines’ putting the information together to find the preliminary diagnosis. We also have the opportunity to evaluate the vascular system physiologically, which lends a broader view of the clinical picture as opposed to strictly anatomic imaging. This increased level of responsibility, challenge and opportunity to work closely with vascular surgeons really appealed to me.

What do you like best about your current position?

I enjoy having a mix of both clinical vascular evaluations and administrative duties, but I get up and come to DHMC every morning for the patients. Knowing that we provide an outstanding service to them makes all the difference. I am proud to be part of a team with 8 technologists, 8 vascular surgeons and 2 vascular surgery fellows who are dedicated to quality patient care.

How do you stay up to date on changes in vascular technology?

I stay current on changes in our field through reading articles in the JVU and JVS, and participating in meetings such as SVU and AVID (Montefiore, NYC). Our vascular group at DHMC is fortunate to have a weekly vascular conference, where JVS articles are reviewed, current cases are discussed and new research findings and techniques are presented.

When did you join SVU?

I joined SVU while I was a student at the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) in Klamath Falls , Oregon , in 1997.

Are you active in a SVU Affiliated State/Regional Chapter?

Absolutely, I’m a member of the Northern New England Vascular Technologists. It’s a great way to network with fellow techs and learn from them.

If so, which one, and which offices have you held there?

Prior to coming to New Hampshire , I was in Seattle at the University of Washington , and a member of Northwest Vascular Technologists (NWVT). I have been the Secretary, Vice President and President of NWVT.

How do you think SVU and its Chapters can work better together in the future?

I think that SVU and its chapters can work better together by seeing themselves as one body of technologists, with its members contributing to a national society, while also conducting meetings and activities as smaller units. For vascular technology to thrive as a profession, we all need to view membership in the national society and the local chapters as essential. There is strength in numbers, and the combined effort of the SVU and its chapters can better serve vascular technology as a profession.

On what SVU Committees have you served or are serving on now?

I am on the Joint Governmental Relations committee with Bill Schroedter. I work at DHMC with Dr. Robert Zwolak, who is Chair of the Government Relations Committee of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and a strong advocate for vascular issues in Washington D.C. , and I am anxious to contribute to these efforts as well. I am also going to begin working as an education liaison between the SVU and vascular schools. Students getting geared up to enter the profession need to be part of SVU from the start, they are our future. They need to understand our mission, vision and values, to learn through our forums and contribute to it.

What do you feel are the biggest issues facing vascular technologists today?

I think that one of the biggest issues vascular technologists face today is finding ways to collaborate with other societies while maintaining the individuality and independence of our specialty. Many of our members now are multi-registered, which adds diversity and the need for a broader focus in the education we provide.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

The SVU is its members. The SVU leadership has done a fantastic job reaching out to the vascular technology community through its website, educational meetings and chapter network. The SVU should continue to assess the needs of the community and encourage each other in member retention, as well as participation in meetings and activities.

Any other comments you would like to add?

I urge SVU members, especially those in the Northeast, to contact me with questions, suggestions for the SVU board or just to visit: olmstedrvt@hotmail.com.

What do you do for fun when you are not working?

I love to be outdoors on an adventure such as kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and traveling—especially when these activities include my family and friends!