Jose Meza, PET,RT(R)(N)(BD)(CT)
(SWC-SNMMI-TS President 2021-2022)

 Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Jose Meza, and I was born and raised in Texas. I enjoy traveling, music, concerts, DIY projects, and going to sporting events. My primary medical interests include theragnostics, cardiology, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in health care. 

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

I am an Army Veteran and was fortunate to receive training in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Technology while serving on active duty. I graduated from the U.S. Army AMEDD Center & School Radiology Program in 2002 and graduated from the Naval School of Health Sciences Nuclear Medicine Program in 2006. Additionally, I cross-trained into Computed Tomography while in the military and had duty assignments at West Point, NY, Fort Sam Houston, TX, and Fort Bragg, NC. I was honorably discharged from the military in 2008 and completed an Associate Degree in Applied Science and Applied Technology just prior to my separation. In 2010, I completed an Associate Degree in Applied Health Studies, followed by a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Science and Technology in 2011, and a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration in 2015. I am also a graduate of the Department of Veterans Affairs Graduate Healthcare Administrative Training Program. I hold certifications from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board as Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist, PET, Nuclear Cardiology, Computed Tomography, and Radiation Safety. Additionally, I am certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Bone Densitometry, and Computed Tomography. Further, I am a Certified Radiology Administrator by the Radiology Administration Certification Commission of American Healthcare Radiology Administrators.

I was introduced to the radiology field by my military recruiter, and it was at that moment I knew that I had found my calling. Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Technology are ever-evolving fields and keeps me on my toes. As a life-long learner, I enjoy reading and learning about new technologies and advancements that lead to improved health outcomes. Equally, I enjoy teaching others what I know and the experiences I have witnessed.

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

My primary contribution to Nuclear Medicine comes through teaching. I have been privileged to teach hundreds of nuclear medicine students and technologists throughout my career.

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

My term as the SWC-SNMMI Present was from 2021 – 2022. I first became involved with the Chapter in 2018 as a nominating committee member and then had the opportunity to be the 2019 SWC-SNMMI Annual Meeting Program Co-chair.

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

I would like others to know that I am father of two wonderful boys, Gavin, and Joseph, and married to my wonderful wife Diana Meza.