January 2006 | Vol. 24, No. 1

SVU Member Profile

Janette A. Isaacson, Ed.D, RVT, RDCS

Program Director
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR

What degrees and credentials do you have?

I have an interesting background of degrees. I started out with an associate degree in echo from a great school (Spokane Community College) in Spokane, WA. I became registered in echo and worked as an echo tech for many years and loved it. I trained at Duke University in echo, with David Adams, and loved every minute of it. Dr. Strandness invited me to cross train into vascular at the University of Washington and eventually I became registered in vascular as well and also loved it. When I began teaching for OIT, it became necessary for me to get a masters degree, so I choose to get a masters degree in education with a specialization in diverse learners. I then got a Doctorate degree in educational leadership from Seattle University. In an effort to study how to effectively communicate, I got another masters degree in mental health counseling. I strongly believe learning is on-going and I have a huge passion for it.

What is your current title and employer?

I am an educator and I have moved into educating people on a variety of topics. During the last year I started a private consulting practice in Woodinville, WA. In this consulting practice I teach vascular and echo ultrasound, and I provide counseling/consulting on a variety of topics. Most recently I have been doing some vascular and echo human resources training. In addition, I did some work related to the importance of reducing employee stress and the promotion of employee wellness.

I also am the program director of two degree completion programs for the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), an Oregon State college located in Klamath Falls, OR. I help working vascular and echo technologists complete their education while maintaining full time jobs and families. OIT grants college credits for becoming registered and the majority of the classes are either taken on-line through OIT or taken through the student’s local community college and transferred. I believe education and learning is so important and that it should be fun and on-going. I helped in the conception of these programs and believe in them.

In addition, I currently train people in abdominal vascular through Pacific Vascular (PVI), led by Keith Fujioka. PVI is located in Bothell, WA, and is an employee owned company. I have been teaching abdominal vascular for nearly 20 years and love it, especially renal duplex studies and have found ways to make these studies easy. These studies are especially helpful to the patients. I am very honored to teach for PVI and I feel like these classes really do help the participants, which ultimately helps their patients.

When did you start this position?

I have worked for OIT for over 11 years and have worked for PVI for 8 years. Before that, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Strandness and Dr. Zierler at the University of Washington as a research technologist in vascular for over 8 years. I spent most of my research years studying the kidney and the renal artery. Before that time, I worked as an echo tech and loved it.

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

I have been in the field for approximately 22 years.

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

What I enjoy the most about vascular technology is the respect that is given to the vascular technologist. Being a good vascular technologist is an art-form and I found that physicians, patients and others were extremely grateful and helped by the work I was doing. It is extremely rewarding to make a difference in someone else’s life.

What and where was your first job in vascular technology?

My first job was working for Kirk Beach and Dr. Strandness at the University of Washington and doing a research study on Japanese Americans and their atherosclerotic development and stroke rates.

What do you like best about your current position?

I like helping people learn and discover what they can accomplish. It is privilege to be a part of such a positive process.

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

I served on the SVU Board of Directors a couple of times in the past and as Education Chair. SVU’s role is so important to our field; we need to support it in any way that is possible.

Are you a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter?

We have a great local chapter here in the Northwest called the Northwest Vascular Technologists (NWVT). Our last meeting had over 80 people attending for two days of learning. NWVT did a tremendous job.

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

The more educated we all become the more patients we can help. Working together to me would be to continue SVU’s efforts in making education affordable and available to its members. I have always felt that SVU should be leading the education process in vascular technology and that it has been doing a good job of that over the years.

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

The biggest issue in my mind is where do we go from here? Many vascular technologists become lab managers and administrators. What other opportunities can be developed for growth in the field is my question? Vascular technologists need to continue to learn and be challenged, but in what direction?

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

SVU does a great job in all aspects. I think it is important to keep dues at a reasonable rate so that all can afford it and take part in it. One of the most valuable parts of SVU for me is the quarterly Journal for Vascular Ultrasound. So much can be learned through reading the Journal articles.

If married, what is your husband’s name? Do you have any children? If so, what are their names and ages?

My husband’s name is Eric Isaacson. We have three incredible kids: Jared, age 15, Cassidy, age 11, and Mackenzy, age 8.

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

I spend a great deal of time with my family. I run the kids to all their activities. Both my girls danced in the Seattle Nutcracker ballet production this season and that was extremely fun. My son loves boy scouts and archery, plus he has an incredible sense of humor. I am very proud of my kids.