Student Spotlight

Isaiah Vismonte

Once in a while we will get a student who completes more than one program with us – Isaiah Vismonte is one of these rare gems! Isaiah is a December 2014 graduate of our DMS Program and in October 2017 made the decision to pursue another modality in imaging, enrolling into the MRI Program. Scheduled to graduate in October of this year, Isaiah looks forward to utilizing both his degrees to pursue a supervisory position in imaging.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests?
I grew up in the Philippines and moved to the United States when I was 14. I attended three years of high school here.  I have lived in Los Angles since moving here from the Philippines.  My hobbies are playing basketball and tennis.  I also thoroughly enjoy drawing. I have always been fascinated by art, but never took it serious enough to make a career from it.  I did, however, find it helpful when I was in the DMS program.  As a visual learner, the ability to draw the various anatomy helped me to visualize structures and their precise locations. As well, it also helped me visualize images on the ultrasound machine.

Why did you choose to attend Casa Loma College DMS Program? Did you work as a Sonographer?
Prior to enrolling in the DMS Program, nursing was the profession for me – or so I thought.  I was enrolled in a community college actually trying to enroll into a nursing program, when during this time I was introduced to radiology, a much less “hands-on” career and became interested in this field. The scheduling of community college classes did not fit into what I needed, so after researching I came to learn about Casa Loam College.

No, I have not worked as a Sonographer – but have instead been assisting Mr. Lakhwinder Dhillon, Imaging Director of Casa Loma College, in the DMS Program. I have assisted in clinical externship acquisitions and placements and the non-ending flow of paperwork and record keeping.

Why did you decide to pursue the MRI Program and not pursue a profession as a Sonographer?
While doable, it can be more challenging for a male, DMS graduate to obtain an entry level position as a Sonographer as many entry level positions are in the OB/GYN field and hospitals and imaging centers are more prone to employing female sonographers for these positions. But that will not stop me – with degrees in two modalities, I will be more marketable, providing me far greater opportunities

How did your path unfold and who were the faculty and staff who have helped you along that path?
I did not have medical background prior to joining the DMS program, but Dr. Arthur and Mr. Dhillon made sure that I knew everything I needed to know to be a sonographer.  Their combined experience and knowledge made me realize that the imaging field is open to anyone (with or without prior medical background) as long as you are motivated and willing to put in that extra effort, and of course, as long as you listen to them!

What future goals do you have in your field?
I would like to become a Lead MRI Technologist or Sonographer in a hospital or imaging facility.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always wanted to become a doctor, but never really put much thought into it or what my specialty would be. Actually, the things I learned in the DMS program taught me how pathologies work and in certain scans, I can actually identify what certain pathologies look like.  I expect to learn even more about pathologies as I progress in the MRI program and enter into externship. So, in a way, and all in my head – of course -since I am diagnosing pathologies, I am sort of like a doctor – right??

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Philippines.  I would like to visit my relatives and friends.

What advice do you have for students that are just getting started?
My advice is to be prepared.  The DMS and MRI program are not easy.  Two years of your life (well, 4 years in my case) is already planned out for you and you will be put to the test – literally. You will have quizzes every week, you will have exams – where you wish you would have studied more after getting your results, and times where you know you should practice scanning, but need a break.  Externship is exciting, but you also must know that is a full-time commitment and that you must and want to perform at your very best. You will hear this a lot, “clinical externship is like a job interview.”

Describe how it has been for you to balance school, your personal life, and a full-time job here at Casa Loma College.
It can be challenging finding personal time while in school and have a full-time job, but it’s all about managing your time.  The programs provide both the two-year schedule and the week-to-week schedule, so I just work my personal life around those schedules.  I mean, it’s all about dedication and commitment, anyone who goes to school should know that school does not end just because you have left the classroom, extra time and effort is required away from school.