UPHS – Bell Heroes | Sheila Swenor
June 3, 2025
What is your role at UPHS – Bell?
I am the director of radiology at UPHS – Bell.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I have always been interested in health care. I initially wanted to become a speech therapist but eventually changed career paths.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Every day, I make sure my staff has what they need to run smoothly—whether that means additional staffing, supplies, equipment or simply encouragement. I work closely with other departments to ensure we have the communication needed to provide quality care to our patients.
Working in this field can be stressful, as radiology is multifaceted, but that’s also what makes it so interesting. There are many different modalities to learn, and I discover something new every day.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been employed at Bell for 23 years. I started as a staff technologist, primarily performing mammography, bone densitometry and general X-ray procedures. I also worked in other areas as needed.
I began my current role as director of radiology in September 2024.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The biggest changes have been all the new things I’ve had to learn and adjusting to being in a leadership role. I still help with patients when needed.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I really enjoy scrapbooking and snuggling with my Yorkie, Ripley. My husband and I love to travel when we can.
There’s nothing better than spending time at Presque Isle during the summer months. When friends visit, they always enjoy a stop at the Yooper Tourist Trap.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Bell?
The people—both coworkers and patients—make UPHS – Bell a great place to work. I love it when patients say they choose Bell because everyone is so kind and they feel they receive excellent care.
As a director, I hear the difficult feedback too, but the compliments make up for it. Bell is a small facility, and it’s nice to know people across the hospital. I enjoy seeing members of my department become friends and support each other outside of work—we really are our own little family.