The Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) held its annual awards reception in Toronto on May 23, 2025.These awards celebrate the best in medical radiation sciences, and the OAMRS Awards give professional and prestigious recognition to MRTs and DMSs who deliver exceptional healthcare. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) had multiple award recipients:
Kasey Etreni – 90th Anniversary Diamond Award
Kasey Etreni, a seasoned Radiation Therapist with over 35 years of dedicated service at TBRHSC, is the recipient of the prestigious OAMRS 90th Anniversary Diamond Award. Throughout her career, Kasey has consistently demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, and advocacy. As a Charge Therapist, she was instrumental in implementing streamlined workflows and patient-centered protocols that continue to benefit her department today. Her calm demeanor, strong mentorship, and collaborative spirit have made her a trusted leader among peers and a role model for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Beyond the walls of the Hospital, Kasey’s impact is just as profound. She has served on numerous boards and committees, helping to shape healthcare policies at both the regional and provincial levels. Now an elected Thunder Bay City Councilor, Kasey continues to advocate for public health, healthcare access, and social equity. Her volunteer efforts with organizations like Camp Quality and local youth hockey teams further demonstrate her unwavering commitment to community service. Kasey’s legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and meaningful change both in healthcare and in the community she proudly serves.
Alexa Chesky – Recent Graduate Award
Alexa Chesky, a recent graduate working at TBRHSC, has already made a meaningful impact in her department. Known for her positivity and adaptability, she not only supports her team by taking on extra shifts but also acts as a knowledgeable preceptor for new students. Her contributions extend beyond the clinical needs, she has helped streamline communication across multidisciplinary teams, improving patient care delivery and departmental efficiency.
Recently trained as an Interventional Radiology technologist, Alexa quickly became an integral asset to the IR team. Her commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and patient care excellence highlights her outstanding promise as a rising professional in the field of medical radiation sciences.
Michelle Opaski – Practitioner of the Year Award
Michelle Opaski, a dedicated Mammography Technologist with 19 years of service at TBRHSC, has been awarded the OAMRS Practitioner of the Year for her exceptional clinical skills, patient-centered care, and commitment to advancing diagnostic imaging services. Michelle is known for her calm, empathetic presence, creating a safe and reassuring environment for patients—many of whom are undergoing stressful procedures like breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Her consistent professionalism and compassion have made her a valued colleague and a trusted caregiver to patients.
One of Michelle’s most impactful roles is her involvement with the Screen for Life Coach program, a mobile cancer screening unit that travels to rural and remote Indigenous communities throughout Northwestern Ontario. Through this work, she helps break down barriers to healthcare access, ensuring vital screenings reach underserved populations. Michelle is also a dedicated mentor, taking the time to train and support new technologists while promoting continuous learning within her team. Her tireless advocacy for equitable care and early detection is saving lives and setting a powerful example of how one healthcare professional can make a lasting difference in both the system and the communities it serves.
To learn more and to see other award winners, click here.