Before attending Howard University, I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia and with my degree in Radiologic Science I will give back to my community by spreading literacy about imaging as well as bringing screening into the community. The problem within the community is that in South and West Atlanta they are facing “imaging deserts”. Citizens in the community do not have a way to get to the hospital or they have a lack of local facilities. So, with my degree in Radiologic Science I can start the plans to create a mobile imaging unit that will go to these communities and preform the screenings and scans that they need but do not have access to. I will be the lead technologist/ clinical director and I can partner with nonprofits as opposed to big corporation hospitals because these scans should be pro-bono meaning free for whoever needs it and these nonprofit organizations can fund this mobile imaging unit through grants. Regarding spreading literacy the main reason there is a barrier for care in Atlanta is citizens not showing up because of fear or misunderstanding of radiology procedures. I can work with the church that I attend which is Big Bethel A.M.E. and the rehabilitation home that we have which is called Trinity House (Trinity Community Ministries) to host Radiology informational sessions and simply complex results that explain why follow-up imaging is very important and how they can access financial assistance at their local hospitals downtown (Grady or Emory).

My name is Nyla M Pettway and I attended Westlake High school in Atlanta, Ga. While in highschool I participated in numerous activities, like dance both on a team and in the pathway all four years, cheer my sophomore year, Beta club, debate club, and Nation Honor Society as the secretary all while juggling my job outside of school. I was also a Magnet, AP and an IB Student. What made me want to go into radiology was, I knew that I wanted to be apart of the medical field without performing surgery and it was between radiology or anesthesiology because they were very impactful and were the most interesting to me. I ultimately ended up picking radiology because there are a plethora of different modalities you can go into from studying radiology no matter what time, as well as the fact that Howard University has always been my top choice and they are one of the only HBCU’s that have my major. Before attending Howard University, I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia and with my degree in Radiologic Science I will give back to my community by spreading literacy about imaging as well as bringing screening into the community. The problem within the community is that in South and West Atlanta they are facing “imaging deserts”. Citizens in the community do not have a way to get to the hospital or they have a lack of local facilities. So, with my degree in Radiologic Science I can start the plans to create a mobile imaging unit that will go to these communities and preform the screenings and scans that they need but do not have access to. I will be the lead technologist/ clinical director and I can partner with nonprofits as opposed to big corporation hospitals because these scans should be pro-bono meaning free for whoever needs it and these nonprofit organizations can fund this mobile imaging unit through grants. Regarding spreading literacy the main reason there is a barrier for care in Atlanta is citizens not showing up because of fear or misunderstanding of radiology procedures. I can work with the church that I attend which is Big Bethel A.M.E. and the rehabilitation home that we have which is called Trinity House (Trinity Community Ministries) to host Radiology informational sessions and simply complex results that explain why follow-up imaging is very important and how they can access financial assistance at their local hospitals downtown (Grady or Emory).

Before attending Howard University, I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia, a city rich in culture, history, and community strength. However, despite its growth and resources, there are still significant healthcare disparities that affect many neighborhoods. With my degree in Radiologic Science, I plan to give back to my community by spreading awareness and literacy about medical imaging, as well as bringing essential screening services directly into underserved areas. One major issue within South and West Atlanta is the presence of what are often referred to as “imaging deserts.” These are areas where residents have little to no access to diagnostic imaging services such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. Many citizens in these communities face transportation barriers, making it difficult to travel to hospitals or clinics. Others live in areas where local facilities are simply unavailable. As a result, individuals often delay or completely forgo necessary screenings, which can lead to more serious health complications over time. With my degree in Radiologic Science, I aim to develop and implement a mobile imaging unit that will travel directly into these underserved communities. This unit would provide essential screenings and diagnostic scans to individuals who otherwise would not have access. By bringing healthcare services to the people, rather than requiring people to travel long distances, I hope to reduce the gap in care and promote early detection of diseases. Early detection is critical in improving health outcomes, and access to imaging plays a key role in that process. In this initiative, I would serve as the lead technologist and clinical director, ensuring that the services provided are both safe and effective. Rather than partnering with large corporate hospital systems, I would collaborate with nonprofit organizations to keep these services community-focused. The goal would be to offer scans on a pro bono basis, meaning free of charge for those in need. Funding for the mobile imaging unit could be secured through grants and nonprofit support, making the program sustainable and accessible. In addition to providing services, I am deeply committed to increasing health literacy within my community. A major barrier to care in Atlanta is not just access, but also fear and misunderstanding of radiology procedures. Many individuals avoid appointments because they are unsure of what to expect or are intimidated by medical environments. To address this, I plan to work with my church, Big Bethel A.M.E., as well as Trinity House through Trinity Community Ministries, to host informational sessions about radiology. These sessions would focus on educating community members about what imaging procedures involve, why they are important, and how to interpret results in a simplified and understandable way. I would also emphasize the importance of follow-up imaging and help individuals understand how to access financial assistance programs at local hospitals such as Grady or Emory. By breaking down complex medical information into clear, approachable language, I hope to empower individuals to take control of their health. Overall, my goal is not only to provide access to imaging services but also to build trust, understanding, and confidence within my community. Through mobile healthcare initiatives and educational outreach, I intend to make a lasting impact by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to receive the care they need.