A radiologic technologist has recently shared the tough reality of his job: having to discover bad news but not being able to tell it to patients.
In a study released in 2023, the journal Patient Education and Counseling shed light on the challenges healthcare workers face when delivering bad news. It showed that many medical professionals experience significant stress when faced with such situations and often feel alone in their struggles. These issues are frequently not talked about, which contributes to a misleading belief that healthcare workers are invulnerable.
The research suggested that hospital staff could greatly benefit from having more time to process bad news in a supportive environment where they can care for each other.
Diego Diaz, a radiologic technologist who specializes in MRIs and X-rays in New York City, has often found himself in this difficult position. He sometimes sees concerning findings on scans that are immediately apparent, but he cannot share this information with patients.
Diaz is careful to clarify that he is not a doctor. "Our job as MRI technologists is to take the best possible images for the radiologist, who is trained to interpret them," he explained. "We can’t diagnose or talk about what we find—that’s the responsibility of the radiologist."
However, he admits that there are moments when he senses something might be wrong. In such cases, he has to keep his thoughts to himself. "I focus on staying professional and ensuring the images are clear so the radiologist has everything needed for an accurate diagnosis," Diaz said.
This can be particularly challenging when patients are anxious or ask direct questions. "It’s tough to hold back, but I remind myself that my priority is their care and avoiding unnecessary stress," he noted. Ultimately, he focuses on helping patients find "the answers they need," even if those answers are not what they hoped for.
To share more about his experiences, Diaz began posting on TikTok under the handle @onedayyoumay. "I wanted to encourage others to look into careers in the medical field," he said. His goal is to provide a "realistic yet uplifting" view of his profession, showcasing both the exciting innovations in radiology and the lesser-known challenges.
One of his most recent videos discussed the difficulty of seeing a patient leave with a smile, unaware that their scan results might change their lives forever. Importantly, he does not include real patients in his videos, often using skits instead, and emphasizes that no one is ever harmed or neglected in his content.
Diaz seeks to educate his audience on the intricacies of medical imaging, hoping to empower viewers about their own health. "I want to inspire people to ask questions and understand more about the human side of healthcare professionals," he explained.
His videos have resonated widely, with one gaining over 4 million views. Many viewers have shared their own stories, showing how healthcare workers’ positive attitudes can make a significant impact. Comments ranged from recalling how a technician’s positivity helped them during a tough diagnosis to expressing the need for emotional support for healthcare providers themselves.
Through his efforts, Diaz aims to bridge the gap between medical professionals and the public, helping everyone feel more connected and informed about their health journeys.
