Oct. 21, 2014
Phil Ballinger, Ph.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, has the distinguished honor of being the first ASRT member to name a room in ASRT's national office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His extraordinary donation to the ASRT Foundation's Positioning for a Brighter Tomorrow campaign helps establish a permanent operating endowment for the ASRT Foundation. In recognition of his gift, the ASRT recently introduced the Philip W. Ballinger Museum Library.
We caught up with Phil to learn more about his background and why participating in this campaign means so much to him.
Q: Describe your background and expertise in the radiologic sciences.
A: I’ve been an R.T. for 51 years, most of that time in education. I enjoy working in radiology and creating images. Early in my career I decided to try teaching, ended up enjoying the work and made a career out of it. I always tried to have fun and learn at the same time. Not all of our students agreed with my teaching techniques. We all survived, and I am proud of the roles and careers our graduates have assumed.
Q: What makes you proud about being an ASRT member?
A: Immediately after graduating from radiologic technology school, I joined ASRT and learned a great deal by going to meetings, reading the journals and learning how others handled different tasks and teaching. I found ASRT and other professional societies to be great ways to share and learn from one another.
Q: Why are you making this gift to the “Positioning for a Brighter Tomorrow” campaign?
A: I have appreciated the organized ASRT meetings and other society meetings I attended during my career, and I wish to share some of the rewards. I was told as a child [that] you get out of life what you put into it. I tried getting involved during my teaching career and with the textbooks and apps [I’ve] written, so now into the fourth quarter of my life and career, it’s time to give back.
Q: Why should other members consider being part of ASRT headquarters through the donor wall or room naming?
A: For those who have made a profession in radiology, fed families, paid bills, bought toys and had an enjoyable career, it seems logical to give back to what made our lives possible. Stick your name and credentials on a brick, on a wall or whatever. That mark will last well beyond our lifetime (or graffiti) and says “I’m proud to be a part of the radiologic sciences.” Let’s join Dr. Röntgen and others to leave our mark in the wet cement of life.