Amy Gerlinsky

Passionate entrepreneur recognized for improving rural health-care accessibility

Ultrasound technologist Amy Gerlinsky (Diagnostic Medical Sonography ’19) is passionate about her role in health care. And, as founder and owner of Lakeland Diagnostic Imaging, she’s established the first-ever ultrasound clinic in her hometown St. Paul, Alberta.   

Since opening her clinic in 2022, she’s provided ultrasound exams to hundreds of patients. Previously, however, patients in St. Paul and surrounding communities were often sent to larger centres like Edmonton, more than a two-hour drive, if the hospital did not offer the appropriate ultrasound service.    

Gerlinsky says it was concerning to see people, especially elderly or low-income patients, delay what could be a crucial exam. “They might not get those exams done because they just could not travel there. And that can obviously have a very negative effect on their health."    

What’s more, being close to home can ease their anxiety about undergoing a medical exam, she adds.   

A new venture, a unique learning opportunity   

Opening her own clinic at the age of 23 wasn’t something Gerlinsky had planned. After her time at NAIT, she worked as an ultrasound technologist in Edmonton and Grande Prairie for more than a year.    

Her goal was to return to St. Paul, but the hospital wasn’t hiring at the time. Instead of waiting for a job opening, Gerlinsky wondered if she could create her own opportunity. She reached out to a diagnostic-imaging company operating in Northern Alberta and initially started the clinic under that brand. She eventually branched off on her own and Lakeland Diagnostic now operates independently with Lethbridge-based Radiology Associates now providing required diagnostic oversight.   

With no business experience, Gerlinsky says starting her own venture was an education in itself. She learned how to apply for loans, arrange a lease, purchase equipment and become an accredited facility.    

“I tried to remind myself: One day at a time,” says Gerlinsky, who was then the sole technologist. At the time, she was grateful to have the support and guidance from Jamie Krantz (Diagnostic Medical Sonography ’17), who operates her own clinic in Fairview, as well as family and friends.    

And positive feedback from patients has made the challenge worth it. “They’re happy they don’t have to go elsewhere,” says Gerlinsky.  

Growing recognition and professional expertise  

Despite running a business and carrying a full patient load, Gerlinsky is determined to keep learning. She’s found many opportunities to fuel her passion for knowledge, and is now certified in several specialized areas, including vascular studies and a range of pediatric ultrasounds.  

“Ultrasound is evolving and progressing so fast, and there’s just so many new things coming out,” she says.  

Gerlinsky’s dedication to her work has earned national recognition from Sonography Canada, which selected her for its 2023 Rising Star Award for “exceptional achievements and contributions” early in her career.  

As people in the St. Paul area learn about Gerlinsky’s clinic, she says demand has increased – so much so that she’s recently hired another NAIT-educated ultrasound technologist, allowing the clinic to see about 80 patients per week.  

And Gerlinsky sees more room to grow. Though she has no immediate plans to offer other types of diagnostic imaging, such as x-ray and mammography, that’s a possibility for the future if it means better serving the community.   

“Never say never,” says Gerlinsky. “I would love to expand and bring more services here.”  

Story photos supplied by Amy Gerlinsky.

Spirit of NAIT  

The Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award is awarded to alumni who have made exceptional advances or achievements in their career within 12 years of graduation.

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