Q and A with an Education Champion: Taraneh Jorjany

Taraneh Jorjany is the clinical coordinator for radiological technology students in Medical Imaging Department at Sunnybrook. She has been in this role since 2005. Taraneh recently won a Crystal Apple Award from the Michener Institute for excellence in clinical teaching and supervising students.

What is your favourite part of being a clinical educator?
Working with energetic and enthusiastic students because I can see how fast they grow to become a caring competent health-care professional. It is like planting a seed and watching it grow to a beautiful flower.

Do you have a teacher who played an extra special role in your education?
I completed my clinical placement at Sunnybrook, and I had the pleasure of being trained by the most wonderful technologists and clinical coordinator during that time. I have learned a lot from them and always appreciate that.

What advice do you have for other educators?
Be understanding and patient and always give it 100 per cent. Recognize students' needs and try to help them achieve their goals. Be friendly with your students and make them feel welcomed and comfortable. Assure your students that you are there for them when they need you.

Do you have any advice for students to help them get the most out of their placements?
I always advise my students to spend their clinical time wisely and use every single opportunity for learning. This learning might not always be about how to perform an examination or procedure, it is also about how to respect and treat patients as human beings and how to work in an interprofessional team for the best interest of our patients.

What does it mean for you to win this award?
It means a lot to me and I really appreciate it. It is a great pleasure and honour for me to be nominated by all of those students who took time out of their busy schedule to write the most wonderful comments about me and what I do. It feels so good to be recognized for your efforts.