Augusta University educator Regina Garrard advances nuclear medicine training

By AI, Created 11:42 AM UTC, June 04, 2026, /AGP/ – Regina Garrard, a longtime nuclear medicine technologist and Augusta University educator, is helping train the next generation of clinicians after more than 35 years in the field. Her work combines clinical experience, student mentorship and professional service as the discipline adapts to new technology and workforce changes.

Why it matters: - Regina Garrard is helping shape the pipeline of nuclear medicine technologists at Augusta University. - Her work connects clinical practice, patient-centered care and classroom training in a field that is changing quickly. - The training matters because nuclear medicine relies on skilled technologists for both routine imaging and more specialized cardiac procedures.

What happened: - Regina Garrard serves as Assistant Professor, Clinical Coordinator and Instructor in Augusta University’s Nuclear Medicine Technology Program. - Garrard graduated from the same program in 1986 and later returned to teach there. - She joined Augusta University in 2010. - Garrard has more than 35 years of experience in nuclear medicine.

The details: - Garrard’s career has included roles as a staff technologist, lead technologist, department supervisor and specialist in routine and cardiac nuclear medicine. - Her early interest in the field developed while she was studying at Valdosta State University. - A family connection to medicine and exposure to the Medical College of Georgia’s Allied Health program helped steer her toward nuclear medicine. - Garrard says she has helped advance cardiac nuclear stress testing programs in clinical settings. - As Clinical Coordinator, she guides students through clinical training and prepares them for certification and professional practice. - Garrard participates in the Society of Nuclear Medicine’s Educators Committee, where she helps shape academic standards. - She says her greatest professional reward is watching students gain confidence, learn technical skills and move into careers. - She also emphasizes that education should build curiosity, professionalism and compassion. - Garrard credits mentors Jeannie Yoder and Mary Anne “Mimi” Owen with teaching her the value of wisdom, joy and engaging education. - She also credits family members, including her sister, mother-in-law and grandmothers, with modeling resilience, service and commitment to others. - Garrard says her personal strength has been shaped by raising a child with autism while navigating widowhood. - She considers her son’s success at Augusta University one of her most meaningful experiences. - She measures impact through strong performance evaluations and student achievements rather than formal recognition. - She advises students and young women entering nuclear medicine to stay open-minded, grounded and humorous. - Garrard stresses that technologists must prioritize patients and serve as advocates with dignity and respect. - She notes that even routine scans can carry heavy emotional weight for patients. - Garrard says rapid technology changes and workforce consolidation are reshaping the field. - She sees those shifts as a reason for continuous learning and adaptability. - Her personal values include perseverance, gratitude and living with joy. - She also draws strength from everyday moments, including time with friends, movies and caring for her black Labrador, Rafa. - More information is available through her Influential Women profile and Augusta University’s faculty directory.

Between the lines: - Garrard’s profile frames nuclear medicine education as both a technical discipline and a patient-facing craft. - Her emphasis on mentorship suggests Augusta University is using experienced clinicians to reinforce workforce readiness. - The focus on adaptability reflects pressure on healthcare training programs to keep pace with new tools and changing service models.

What’s next: - Garrard is expected to continue training students and supporting clinical instruction at Augusta University. - Her work will likely remain centered on preparing technologists who can adapt to new technology while maintaining patient care standards. - The broader field will keep requiring educators who can balance certification training, clinical skill-building and human-centered care.

The bottom line: - Regina Garrard’s career shows how experienced clinicians can extend their impact by training the next generation of nuclear medicine professionals.