HCHD School of Medical Radiography Graduates 13 Students

 

Abigail Sandoval celebrates her graduation with her husband Lee and three sons (L-R) Gabriel, Benjamin and Lee Jr.

When Abigail Sandoval’s husband graduated from HCHD’s School of Medical Radiography in 1999, she found his work so fascinating that she later enrolled in the same program.

Sandoval, along with 12 other classmates, graduated May 15, 2004 from the School of Medical Radiography.

“I promised myself I wouldn’t cry,” Sandoval said in her emotional graduation remarks. “We all achieved the goals we set for ourselves. We’re more than classmates; we’re friends. And now we have the knowledge and skills we need to go forward.”

Wearing blue caps and gowns, the graduates listened to remarks by David S. Lopez, Interim President and CEO; Hazel Bourne, Program Director of the School of Medical Radiography; Dr. Margo Hilliard, LBJ Administrator and Dr. Cleveland Black, Director of LBJ Radiology.

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels gave the commencement speech and congratulated graduates on their achievement.

“Healthcare is a noble calling,” he said. “The impact of 13 can be just as significant as a class of 13,000. Your opportunities are endless, and you will be richly rewarded for working to provide care to others.”

Eckels also praised the School of Medical Radiography, saying it was a bold proposition on Black’s part to reopen the program.

Founded in 1990, the school’s two-year program has graduated 171 students, of whom 90 percent obtain employment with the Hospital District.

Of the 13 graduates, nine will stay to work with the Hospital District. Sandoval will direct her skills in the main diagnostic area at LBJ on June 2, her first day at work.

“All those late nights paid off,” Sandoval said. “It was hard, but we all made it through.”

For more information on the HCHD's School of Medical Radiography, call 713-873-2277.