Shannon N. Youngblood, Ed.D, MSRS, CNMT, CT (ARRT)
(SWC-SNMMI President 2017-18 and 2024-25)

Please tell us about yourself.

I am a native of Louisiana and currently reside there; however, I lived in North Carolina for several years and graduated from a nuclear medicine technology program while there. 

Give us your background information about your professional training, including nuclear medicine, and what inspired you to enter this field.

I began my lifelong service to the healthcare profession at the age of 13 when I became a Candy Striper at a local hospital.  Later in my teens, there was a hurricane one evening, and our home had lost power.  We had a radio on, and at some point, there was an announcement that volunteers were needed at a hospital in Baton Rouge.  As a restless teen without anything to do, I hopped up and drove there through the storm despite my parents' disapproval.  To my surprise, I was offered a job that night and originally hired as a patient transporter.  I went on to assist where needed which involved the many diverse fields in a downtown hospital that included radiology, mammography, physical therapy, geriatrics, and the burn unit.  Through those experiences, I learned a different perspective, a love for those that are hurting, and a healthy fear of fire!  I went on to become an Assisted Living Supervisor, an Activity Director, and an EMT in North Carolina. I fell in love with life-long learning, and I discovered a talent for organic chemistry and formulas which eventually led to learning more about nuclear medicine. 

What do you consider your primary contribution(s) to Nuclear Medicine?

Promoting the nuclear medicine profession and being a voice for others has become integral to who I have become and what I stand for both professionally and personally.  I have had the privilege to be involved with the SNMMI since beginning my nuclear medicine career in 2010.  During that time, I have been given the opportunity to serve and apply my knowledge on various SNMMI committees for both the national and chapter levels as well as gain valuable insight on a deeper level.

In what year were you a SWC-SNMMI President, and how did you first become involved with the chapter?

I became involved with the SWC during a Spring meeting where I introduced myself to the leadership at that time and volunteered to help where needed.  I met Dean Rice, who was in leadership at the time, and took me under his wing as a mentor.  I went on to join committees, graduated from the SWC Leadership Academy in 2015, and became SWC-SNMMI TS President for the 2017-2018 term and asked to accept this responsibility again for the 2024-2025 term.  Along with being active in the SNMMI-SWC, I am also very active on the SNMMI National level.

Please describe anything else that you would like for your Nuclear Medicine colleagues to know about yourself.

I grew up with horses and have had one by my side ever since!