Sharn Jeffries
What is your position at UNC-Chapel Hill, and how long have you been associated with the University?
I am the Medical Radiation Safety Officer for UNC Hospitals. I have been associated with UNC-Chapel Hill from 1991-1993 (Grad School), and have been an employee of UNC EHS from 1993-1994, and again from 2018-present.
How did you initiate your career in this field or what led you to your current position?
My first job after College was in a DNA Paternity Testing Laboratory, which utilized Radioactive Materials. I decided to pursue Graduate School at UNC School of Public Health in Air, Radiation, and Industrial Hygiene, and concentrated on Radiological Hygiene. I then worked for UNC EHS in Radiation Safety for 2 years, and followed that up as an Inspector with NC Radiation Protection for 24 years.
Which sectors of the University does your role impact, and in what ways does it contribute to those areas of work?
My current position impacts UNC Hospitals and UNC Medical Center. UNC Radiation Safety administers the management of the hospital’s radiation safety program; our team is integral in the management and oversight of the use of Radioactive Materials and Radiation Producing Machines at a host of UNC Hospital Facilities. Our Primary goal is to ensure the health, safety, and protection of Radiation Workers, the patients, the general public and the environment from the harmful effects of Ionizing Radiation.
Describe what you love most about your job.
The Medical Radiation Safety Officer has to be nimble and experienced and trained enough to be able to communicate with the regulatory community, the public, patients and radiation workers at any given time. So far, the ability to provide answers to challenging questions and situations that arise in the hospitals is what I enjoy most.
What advice do you have for those interested in entering a career in your line of work?
Show up, answer inquiries, effectively communicate, positively represent yourself as a radiation safety professional, don’t be afraid to fail but learn from mistakes, follow up.