July 2005 | Vol. 23, No 7

SVU Board Director Profile

LeAnn Maupin, MEd RVT RT(R) FASA

Vascular Technology Program Director
Medical Imaging Department Chair
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR

LeAnn Maupin was elected last year to a three-year term on the SVU Board of Directors, which began January 1, 2005.

What degrees and credentials do you have?

Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging, Master of Arts, Education Administration and Supervision, RVT, RT(R), Fellow American Society of Angiology

When did you join SVU?

I have been an SVU member since 1991 when I joined as a student member while I was completing my clinical externship in radiologic science.

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

I began on the job training in a vascular lab in 1992.

When did you become certified by ARDMS?

I became certified by ARDMS as an RVT in 1993.

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

I became interested in vascular technology while a student in radiologic science. I was doing research for my senior project and happened to interview two vascular technologists who had just opened a vascular lab in my area. My senior project eventually became the OIT Vascular Technology Program. I was hooked from then on.

What do you like best about your current position?

As an educator in a vascular program, I really enjoy sharing my passion for vascular technology with my students. I feel quite a sense of accomplishment from preparing individuals for a career in the profession of vascular technology. My favorite time of year is graduation in June. Since my seniors are off campus the entire year doing their externships, it is such a pleasure to share in their excitement and learn where each of their careers is beginning.

Have you served on an SVU Committee, if so, which one(s) and when?

Years ago I was the Legislative Watch for the state of Oregon. I served on an ad-hoc education committee for a couple years too. As a new Board member I plan to get involved in some SVU committees.

Are you a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter?

I belong to the first SVU Affiliated Student Chapter, the Oregon Tech Vascular Association (OTVA) at OIT. I also am a member of the Northwest Vascular Technologists (NWVT) and the Vascular Association of Southern Oregon (VASO).

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

I think the new Chapters listserv is a huge step in the right direction for improved connectivity between the Society and the Chapters.

Why did you decide to run for the SVU Board of Directors?

I felt that more educators in vascular programs needed to be more involved to bring another perspective to the SVU Board. Representation from all aspects of vascular technology will hopefully lead to a strong future for our Society.

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

One of the biggest issues is the shortage of technologists. Another huge issue is the fact that we are a small facet of the medical world. Having a voice loud enough to be heard is going to become more of a challenge for the Society.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

I believe SVU serves its members pretty well now. I do believe we will need to come up with a strategy to keep current members and attract more members, especially those joining the profession. The Board and the Membership Committee is working very hard to address this.

Any other comments you would like to add about your membership in SVU?

I am very proud to be part of such a great profession and I believe my membership in SVU supports my beliefs.

What do you do for fun and relaxation when not working?

Gee, I have always considered my work fun and sometimes even relaxing. When I am away from work I love to be in the outdoors. I mountain bike, golf, garden and spend as much time as possible with my loved ones. Oh and I enjoy fly fishing! I have a much better understanding for flow dynamics since casting my first fly 25 years ago. Of course it never made sense to me until I entered the profession of vascular technology! I guess I can honestly say that I take my work with me when I fly fish!