Morgan Dobbeck

Current Position: Radiation Therapist at The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute

Story Last Updated: Summer 2024

Morgan Dobbeck graduated from Eastern York High School in Wrightsville, Pa. in 2019. At the time, Morgan knew she wanted to go into healthcare, but wasn’t sure which route she wanted to take.

“I took a tour of campus with one of the Griffin Ambassadors, and I fell in love with the feeling of a tight-knit campus. I loved that it was safe and that it was close to many activities. After shadowing in a radiation oncology department for a day, I knew that I wanted to attend GMercyU for Radiation Therapy,” Morgan said.

Life on Campus

For the past four years, Morgan has been a Griffin Ambassador for Admissions, giving tours to prospective students at Open House events and Accepted Students Day.

She is also a four-year member of Student Government Association, serving as a special representative for three years and Vice President for one year. During her junior year, Morgan was responsible for planning Fall Fest and Griffin Madness.

Morgan is also a member of several honor societies on campus, including Sigma Phi Sigma for one year, Lambda Nu for two years, and The Alpha Eta Honor Society for one year.

Additionally, she is a member of the Cancer Awareness Club and a Radiation Therapy Class Representative.

I have made some of the best friends I could ask for in my time here. Not only are there people that I have become close friends with, but the students are actively involved in volunteer work and constantly creating new campus activities. The faculty and staff are also exceptional. All of my professors have always cleared up any questions efficiently or were willing to stay after class and help me with any problems. I can always count on the staff members, such as Public Safety and Parkhurst chefs, to bring a smile to my face.

Experience in Radiation Therapy

Morgan loved her experience in Radiation Therapy, but the program does not come without challenges. In addition to her classes, Morgan has completed four clinical rotations.

“The courses I gained the most knowledge from were my Radiation Biology and Physics courses taught by Chris Hand. He ensured everybody was on track in class and left no one behind. He hosted many review sessions on Saturday mornings and evenings before exams. I cannot thank him enough for all the time he sacrificed,” Morgan said.

Morgan completed her clinical rotations in four locations: WellSpan Ephrata Center in Lancaster, Pa.; Asplundh Cancer Pavilion Jefferson Health in Willow Grove, Pa.; Ann B. Barshingher Cancer Institute in Lancaster, Pa.; and Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa.

Under the supervision of a certified radiation therapist, Morgan was responsible for just about everything in the radiation oncology department. In the CT scan, which provides daily set-up accuracy and planning for patients eligible to receive radiation therapy, Morgan is tasked with setting up the patient according to the proper position for their type of cancer.

“I make sure that we have the appropriate immobilization devices and equipment for the patient’s simulation to go smoothly. I have also been trusted to correctly tattoo the patient at the end of their CT scan so that we can replicate the same position for their daily treatment,” Morgan said.

While in treatment, Morgan aligns patients in the same position they were in during the simulation by using lasers in the treatment room. She then takes x-rays of the patient to compare them to the images taken on the day of their CT. She matches the images and shifts the patient according to the anatomical differences.

“The biggest takeaway from my clinical rotations is experience. There is only so much you can learn in a classroom. The therapists at my sites have taken the time to make sure I understand all aspects of the field. Without all the time spent at clinical, I would not feel confident going into the workforce with only the information obtained in the classroom,” Morgan shared.

Choosing Radiation Therapy

“When searching for a college and potential careers, I knew I wanted to go into healthcare because I enjoyed science and had a strong desire to help others. In my search, I discovered radiation therapy. I shadowed for a day at a nearby hospital and knew that this career was something I would want to do for the rest of my life,” Morgan said.

Why GMercyU?

“There is something for everybody – whether it’s a sports team, a great program, or a club. I truly feel like GMercyU feels like home to everyone who comes here,” Morgan said.

After graduating in May 2023, Morgan plans to work as a full-time radiation therapist at Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute in Lancaster, Pa.