Where Precision Meets Purpose:
Radiation Therapy Careers in Slidell
Featuring: Lori F., Clinic Manager and Radiation Therapists Jaime C., Rachael B. and Katie H.
Location: Slidell Regional Cancer Center
Clinic Operations Manager Lori F. didn't set out to spend 34 years at Slidell Memorial Hospital. She joined the team in 1992 as a staff radiation therapist and has spent the last three decades watching cancer care evolve. What kept her there was simple: advanced technology, strong teamwork and a department where communication never feels siloed.
Those same qualities continue to define the department today. Radiation therapist Katie has experienced that team culture firsthand since joining the team four years ago.
"We have a great team here. Our doctors are incredible, our leadership is supportive and everybody works together to make sure patients receive the best possible care."
A Comprehensive Approach to Cancer Care
The Slidell Regional Cancer Center brings medical oncology, infusion services, laboratory services and radiation therapy together in one location. That integration creates a more connected experience for patients and staff alike.
"Having everything in one building makes it so much easier, not just for the patients, but for the staff," Lori explains. "It allows teams to communicate more efficiently and coordinate care more effectively."
Therapists have access to nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians and other support resources, making it easier to collaborate across disciplines and connect patients with the care they need.
"We work in such a close-knit environment," says radiation therapist Rachael. "You have to trust your teammates, communicate well and support each other. What we have here is special."
Technology Designed for Confidence and Continuity
The department operates two matched Varian TrueBeam linear accelerators, allowing treatments to continue even if one machine experiences downtime.
"If one of the machines goes down for any reason, we can easily just slide over to the other machine," Lori says. "You don't have to send the patient home or interrupt their care plan."
The team also performs advanced techniques, including Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS). A new CT scanner will enhance simulation capabilities and expand access to advanced imaging technology. For Jamie, one of the department's newest therapists, the technology was a major draw.
"It's a lot of high technology and precision. You're working with really advanced equipment, and there's so much attention to detail involved in the work."
Many Paths, One Purpose
There is no single path into radiation therapy. At Slidell Regional Cancer Center, therapists have arrived through very different experiences. Jamie transitioned into the specialty after a long career in cardiovascular ultrasound. Rachael followed a radiologic technology pathway before earning her radiation therapy credentials. Katie earned a degree in English before a shadowing experience inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.
"I didn't know radiation therapy existed before," Katie says. "Once I saw it, I was fascinated by it. And I knew that's what I wanted to do."
While their journeys into the profession were different, many of the qualities that drew them to the field are shared. Radiation therapists combine technical expertise with meaningful patient interaction, building relationships with patients throughout the course of treatment.
For Jamie, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients was one of the biggest reasons she made the transition into oncology.
"You’re there to support patients through their course of treatment every step of the way, and that makes the work incredibly meaningful."
Growing Careers Through Innovation
As part of Ochsner Health, Slidell Memorial benefits from system-wide resources, staffing support and ongoing technology investments.
Through its partnership with Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Slidell Regional Cancer Center gives patients access to advanced cancer treatments and multidisciplinary cancer specialists close to home. Patients receive high-quality clinical care and treatment plans based on the same protocols and practice standards provided at MD Anderson in Houston.
For therapists, that connection creates ongoing opportunities to grow, keep learning and remain at the forefront of cancer care.
Supported by a collaborative team, innovative equipment and a culture built on communication and trust, radiation therapists at Slidell Memorial have the opportunity to grow their careers while making a lasting impact on patients' lives.
Pursue your purpose and explore radiation therapy careers with Ochsner Health.