Christina Kalli

"Some of my key personality types that are embedded into my career journey are those of a Coordinator, Influencer and Manager.As a people leader it is important that I am able to motivate individuals and my team to get things done on time with high quality. It is important to be organised especially since I don’t only have to do my own job but also make sure that the people, I work with understand what is required from them and they can deliver what is required. My team is like a second family so I focus on empowerment and encouraging discussion as well as listening and working with others to identify the right information and optimize processes."

"In my current role as Head of Imaging Technology I lead a team of imaging professionals from scientists to engineers within the Research and Development department. I am responsible for all imaging modality (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, PET, SPECT) technology leads and operational resources supporting the development of new imaging contrast agents and molecular imaging tracers. I am responsible in ensuring that all imaging aspects for GE Healthcare clinical trials are in place to support the development of products. Imaging aspects include documentation that is used to guide doctors on how to obtain patient scans, set up medical imaging scanners as well as transfer patient image data compliantly to GE Healthcare in order for my team and radiologist to be able to review. As part of my role I also enjoy overseeing the project management and development of software tools that help with the automated review and processing of medical images as well as optimizing protocols and procedures that are followed within the department. I enjoy being part of an amazing team of people that focus on improving patient care."

"In high school I enjoyed Biology, Maths and Physics which led to me participating in a STEM event in Cyprus for girls that navigated me towards my BSc in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. My university supervisor has been key in my journey as his presentation during induction day was the first step I took into the world of Biomedical Ultrasound and Microbubbles.I continued my studies to complete an MSc in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering – Biomedical Ultrasound where my passion for healthcare and ultrasound scanners continued to grow. During my MSc I completed a placement at the Oncology Centre observing planning and supervision of radiotherapy treatment. Observed monitoring and calibration of medical equipment (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT) though routine follow-ups. Monitored the work of the Ultrasound Department. Observed a range of imaging procedures and contrast enhanced ultrasound scans as part of a clinical trial. Shadowed radiologists performing diagnostic ultrasound scans and reporting ultrasound, CT scans and mammograms thus obtaining an insight of reading the medical images. As an engineer I managed to obtain a great perspective of clinical Ultrasound applications.Following completion of my studies I completed a 1-year placement at the Centre of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in the Division of Experimental Medicine at Hammersmith Hospital where I had the opportunity to train on the use and setup of ultrasound scanners and worked on a clinical trial using ultrasound and Microbubbles as a biomarker for predicting early response in patients with liver cancer where I performed the ultrasound scanning.This was one of the most importance experiences in my career as I gained insight into the contribution of ultrasound in clinical practice.I then started my journey at GE Healthcare as an Ultrasound Specialist. My position involved the input to clinical trial documentation using my as well as the quality review of clinical trial Ultrasound Images obtained with different contrast agents as well as the scanner setup and setting optimization. I then took on the role of Lead Ultrasound Specialist where I used my expertise to drive the imaging aspects for the launch of one of GE Healthcare’s products as well as building on project management skills, software validation and knowledge on MRI and CT. My transition from engineering to management in the role of Manager of Imaging Operations was not planned but a leap of faith that I decided to challenge myself with. I took on the line management for all operational resources in the Imaging Team in the Research and Development Department supporting the development of new imaging agents. This management role has led to my current role as Head of Imaging Technology for all modality technology leads and operational resources as well as a key role in the R & D Leadership team."

"When I am not working, I enjoy readying, yin-yoga, cross-stitching, lego, travelling as well as baking and cooking for family and friends."

"A \"typical day\" is not something that applies to my role and is one of the reasons that I enjoy it so much. My days may vary from replying to emails in the morning and attending virtual meetings and conferences to travelling to sites with my team to help with their scanner setup as well as helping my team members develop in their role and career. I may be meeting with internal or external customers that support GE Healthcare clinical trials or I may be writing and reviewing standard operation procedures that must be followed within the department, managing and leading people, testing and validating software, attending leadership programs or leading GirlsGetSET events. My work aims to achieve developing new imaging products that help doctors make better diagnosis and consequently providing better patient care."

"BSc in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus (September 2006 - January 2011)MSc in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering - Biomedical Ultrasound, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus (January 2011 - January 2013)"