From x-ray to nuclear medicine: Lynn Sauro’s career built on care and curiosity

When asked what inspired a career in healthcare, Lynn Sauro, Imaging Technologist at StoneSprings Hospital, credits family wisdom:
“My dad always said if you get into the medical field, you will always have a job — and there are so many different avenues you can take.”

That advice set the course for a remarkable journey. Starting in X-ray school right out of high school, Lynn soon specialized in Nuclear Medicine, driven by a fascination with the body’s physiology. Later, earning a Master’s in Exercise Science added another layer of expertise, helping patients and colleagues during Nuclear stress testing.

For Lynn, a typical day begins with quality checks on all Nuclear machines to ensure everything runs smoothly before patients arrive. From there, it’s a mix of exams covering different areas of the body. But the highlight? The patients. “I love explaining the exams in a language they understand. It eases their anxiety and makes the experience so much better,” says Lynn.

The most memorable moments come when patients return and say they came back just to see her. After more than 30 years in the field, Lynn has seen dramatic changes — faster, more precise imaging techniques and exciting possibilities with AI in image analysis. “Everything has changed, but for the better,” she says.

For anyone considering this career, Lynn’s advice is clear: shadow first. “I love patient care and what I do, but the best part is there are so many different areas you can go into.  At the heart of it all is a simple philosophy: treat people with respect,” says Lynn. “I always remember they are sick, they don’t feel well, and they deserve kindness,” she says. Working at StoneSprings adds another dimension — a smaller facility means more time to focus on patients and their needs.