Living the Mission: Seeing Beyond the Surface

Our October Department Spotlight: Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging.

A fracture beneath the skin. A change in breast tissue too small to feel. An abnormality inside an organ. Every day, the Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging team at Holton Community Hospital helps healthcare providers look beyond the surface—combining advanced imaging technology with the experience and personal care needed to help find answers and guide patient care.

For our October Living the Mission: Department Spotlight, we’re recognizing the 11-member Radiology team and, more importantly, the people behind the images.

The People Behind the Images

When most people think of Radiology, they probably think about the equipment: an X-ray machine, CT scanner or MRI.

But behind every image is a trained professional.

HCH’s Radiology team is led by Cole Alderfer, RT(R), Director of Radiology, with support from Kristi Roush, Director of Ancillary Services, MBAHM, BHS-MI, RT(R), RVT, RDMS, who can frequently be found working alongside the department’s staff.

Together with Radiologic Technologists Rachel C., Britney A., Emma G., Rachel R., Killie J., Eric S., Caitlin V., Shannon Z. and Scott D., the department provides diagnostic imaging for patients from throughout Jackson County and the surrounding region.

Their work involves much more than operating sophisticated equipment. Radiologic Technologists prepare and position patients, follow specialized imaging protocols and work closely with other healthcare professionals to obtain the images needed for diagnosis and treatment.

Just as importantly, they work with people.

Patients may arrive in Radiology injured, uncomfortable, nervous about an unfamiliar examination or worried about what an image might reveal. Providing excellent imaging care requires technical skill and attention to detail—but it also requires compassion, communication and respect.

That’s where the people behind the technology make the difference.

That’s where the people behind the technology make the difference.

I think I’m most proud of our department’s adaptability.  Everybody is open to new exams and trainings to allow patients to have specialized exams close to home.  We’ve added 4 or 5 new exams in the last year and staff are always willing and open to add more.  If we are able to get a new CT scanner we will be able to do even more for patients like cardiac calcium scoring.  We genuinely enjoy working together and love giving our patients the best care possible, giving them a great option in their hometown. 

 

I want patients to know that if they choose HCH they won’t be just a number.  Everyone in the department has ties or calls Holton home.  Staff genuinely care about patients and take time to get to know them and make sure they are comfortable before, during ,and after exams.  Our technology is always changing.  Staff take time to understand the changes and adapt to make the patient experience as good as possible.  In MRI we are currently using a type of AI that allows us to provide faster scans times.  Our newer ultrasound unit allows us to do a lot of scans that many of the critical access hospitals can’t offer.  Our mammography unit is top of the line and allows us to do 3D exams and follow up imaging can be done here with the Radiologist on Wednesday’s.    As stated, technology is ever changing and we are doing our best to keep up with those changes and provide the best possible care, close to home. 

 

– Cole Alderfer, RT(R), Director of Radiology

Advanced Technology, Close to Home

The technology available to this team has grown significantly.

In 2025, Holton Community Hospital made a major investment in diagnostic imaging with the addition of a 1.5 Tesla MRI system, bringing full-time MRI availability to HCH.

For patients, that means access to advanced MRI technology right here in Holton, with many appointments available within a matter of days depending on the examination, insurance authorization and scheduling availability.

For the Radiology team, it represents something more: another tool that allows them to provide a higher level of diagnostic imaging without requiring patients to routinely travel to a larger medical center.

October also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it an important time to recognize HCH’s 3D mammography services. Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, this technology helps interpreting physicians examine breast tissue in greater detail. Mammography can identify breast changes before they become large enough to be felt.

Sometimes, early detection begins with being able to see what can’t yet be felt.

MRI and 3D mammography are just two examples of the diagnostic imaging available at HCH. The department also provides CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, bone density testing and additional imaging services.

Readers can learn more about available examinations, scheduling, preparation and insurance authorization on our Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging webpage.

Building the Future of Healthcare

Some of Radiology’s most important work isn’t visible on an MRI, mammogram or X-ray.

It’s standing beside the technologists learning how to create them.

Radiology is one of HCH’s most education-focused departments, and students are a familiar part of the team. Holton Community Hospital is a strong clinical partner for Washburn University’s Radiologic Technology program, giving students opportunities to learn alongside experienced professionals in a rural hospital environment.

That relationship also connects directly with HCH’s efforts to introduce young people to healthcare careers before they enter college.

Currently, three students enrolled in Washburn University’s radiology program previously participated in HCH’s Healthcare Academy while they were still in high school.

What began as an opportunity to explore healthcare has now developed into the pursuit of professional careers in Radiology.

And the connection doesn’t necessarily end at graduation. HCH has also hired professionals from the Washburn program, creating a pathway that can take someone from exploring healthcare as a high school student, to professional education and clinical experience, and ultimately to a career caring for patients.

For Kristi, a strong advocate for education at HCH, and the entire Radiology team, welcoming students into the department is about more than teaching someone how to operate imaging equipment. It’s an investment in the future healthcare workforce.

That investment is particularly important in rural communities.

By giving students meaningful clinical experiences locally, HCH can show future healthcare professionals that sophisticated technology, professional development and rewarding healthcare careers don’t exist only in large metropolitan hospitals.

They can exist right here at home.

Technology Matters. People Make the Difference.

Radiology is a department built around technology, but even the most advanced equipment is only part of the story.

An MRI doesn’t reassure someone who is nervous about their first scan. A mammography system doesn’t explain what to expect during an examination. A CT scanner doesn’t carefully position a patient who is injured and in pain.

People do.

Every day, the Radiology team combines specialized education, advanced technology and compassionate care to help healthcare providers find answers for their patients.

And at the same time, they’re helping educate the students who may provide that care tomorrow.

This October, we’re proud to recognize Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging as our Living the Mission: Department Spotlight and celebrate Cole, Kristi, Rachel C., Britney A., Emma G., Rachel R., Killie J., Eric S., Caitlin V., Shannon Z. and Scott D. for the expertise, compassion and commitment to education they bring to HCH.

Their work reminds us that while Radiology is about seeing what’s happening on the inside, Living the Mission is about seeing the person behind every image—and investing in the people who will carry that mission forward.

Learn More About Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging

Holton Community Hospital provides MRI, CT, digital X-ray, 3D mammography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, bone density testing and other diagnostic imaging services close to home.

Explore Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging Services at HCH

To schedule an imaging appointment or speak with the Radiology Department, call 785-364-9677.

Personalized Care. Hometown Heart.