Distinguished Alumna

BIOGRAPHY

Sharon Gattas began her career in the field of radiology in 1988, when she graduated from the Radiation Therapy Program at Loma Linda University. She worked as a therapist for some time, and then decided to come back for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, graduating in 1999. In 2020, Sharon became the Director of Imaging Services and Satellite Operations at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, CA. She has been a strong supporter of the ultrasound students and was instrumental in getting rotations reestablished after the facility took a break from training sonographers for the last 20 years. When staff needed encouragement or assistance instructing students, or whenever there was an issue, Sharon responded right away and worked toward solutions, always with a positive attitude. During the sonography program, Sharon was part of a team that flew to New Orleans during the Katrina disaster, and has continued to help with rescue efforts whenever possible. She’s been involved with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ever since. Her deployments include: Oklahoma City Bombing - Murrah Building, 9/11 - Twin Towers collapse, multiple hurricane deployments, Montecito mudslides, and fire recoveries, including the town of Paradise. Sharon also works with a FEMA-certified rescue dog on a local, urban search-and-rescue team. Sharon has been married to her husband, Bob, for 30 years. Our students comment that Sharon is most helpful and caring about their opportunities and success when they interact with her. We are so proud of Sharon and her amazing accomplishments and contributions to the field of sonography. The Department of Radiation Technology is pleased to present the 2021 Distinguished Alumna Award to Sharon Gattas.