Critical Role Caring For Kids

The Pediatric Imaging Division clinicians and staff understand that how stressful having a child can be and strive to provide services in a caring and supportive environment. One team member, pediatric radiology nurse, Deborah Gorham, plays a critical role coordinating pediatric imaging exams performed with anesthesia.

How did you become interested in being a nurse?
As a young child, I met the nurses who cared for my terminally ill sister. I knew I wanted to be a nurse. I started working as a nurse’s aid in high school and continued while in nursing school until I got my first job as an RN.

How did you come to work in radiology?
I started my nursing career at MGH in 1990 and later worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). When I saw an opening for an RN in Radiology, I was intrigued because I had worked with the radiology staff in the PICU. I joined the pediatric radiology nursing team in 2002, when there were only 15 nurses. We’ve grown since!

What’s your current position?
I work in a unique but very necessary position; I coordinate safe imaging exams that require anesthesia for children. I’m the link between the referring physician, the patient and Pediatric Radiology. I get to speak with patients and families from over the country and around the world.

What do you like most about working at MGH in Pediatric Radiology?
My favorite thing about working at MGH is the people I work with in my area. Everyone is vested in caring for children. We are a smaller department and we get to know your child very well.