Gary Haley always knew he wanted to help people. After graduating from Pacific Union College with a degree in theology, he spent 20 years working with troubled kids at a youth camp.
“I always have enjoyed interacting with people,” said Gary. “Working with troubled teens was a great experience, and I poured my heart and soul into that job.”
After two decades at Klamath Lake County Youth Ranch, Gary—an avid learner—needed a new challenge. He enrolled in Oregon Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in radiological technology.
“I was at a point in my life where I really needed a change,” said Gary of his career move. “I wanted to find a job that provided me with more stability, but still allowed me to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Gary’s daughter worked as an x-ray technologist and it was evident to him that the career presented a lot of options. It offered job security, continual learning opportunities and interaction with people.
“Helping people comes in many different forms. In my first career I dealt with a lot of emotional ailments and issues. Now I help individuals with physical difficulties.”
Gary strives for excellence in his job and it shows. As the lead technologist at Tillamook County General Hospital (TCGH), he looks for ways to enhance his skills and capture the best images possible to aid physicians in their diagnoses.
“Gary is the type of employee who goes the extra mile,” said Gordon Johnson, TCGH manager of laboratory and radiology. “His skill-set is very versatile and he is always looking for opportunities to learn new aspects of the job.”
One of the things Gary enjoys about his career is the fact that imaging is constantly evolving and the many different modalities within the career—including x-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computerized tomography), to name a few. Working at a small rural hospital has given Gary the opportunity to expand his skills and continually learn new aspects of the job.
“I think small hospitals offer a lot more opportunities than large facilities,” asserted Gary. “We can’t afford to hire a technologist for every aspect of the imaging process so everyone is cross-trained to ensure that all our bases are covered.”
Gary is grateful for the growth opportunities he’s been given at TCGH. The facility helps employees with continuing education, which benefited Gary when he choose to pursue further training in MRI technology.
Career growth is not the only reason Gary likes his job at TCGH. As a Christian, he enjoys being in an environment that places an emphasis on the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
“There is a very distinctive atmosphere at this hospital because it is a Seventh-day Adventist facility,” stated Gary. “I value the fact that in doing my job I always have the option to pray with patients and provide spiritual comfort along with physical care.”
Gary Haley (right), Tillamook County General Hospital lead technologist, enjoys working with patients and always goes the extra mile to try to capture the best images possible to aid physicians in their diagnoses. (Bruce Beaton)
