Erick Byorwango Spotlight
December 2, 2022
Erick Byorwango is Principal Radiologist Technologist at UCSF Parnassus. Originally from Tanzania, Erick is a long time Bay Area resident and community leader who years ago transitioned careers from computer science and information technology to become an invaluable member of our radiological team.
When you meet Erick, it is immediately clear that he is someone with both a tremendous command of expert knowledge and an inspiringly positive countenance. Tosca Bridges, Diagnostic Radiology chief manager, observed that Erick is a talented technologist and those who work with him at Parnassus Heights are known to say, “Erick, we never see you upset or talking poorly about any other person. You always keep your smile on. How do you do it?”
To that Erick answers, “I remember how my mom always encouraged me to stay positive and to be happy, treat other people as you think you should be treated, and maintain love. She said, ‘Create love towards whoever you’re involved with: in school, at work, at church, with family or friends. Do not create haters.’”
Erick got his college degree in computer science, and then one in graphic design at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. In 2004, he was working in IT at a tech company in Oakland, but instability in the industry made him interested in exploring other paths, though radiology was not initially on his radar. We have Erick’s wife to thank for him joining our UCSF team, since she was the one who first raised the possibility of radiology as a field. As Erick tells it, “She said to me, ‘Oh, there is this program. It's called radiology. Since you're in a computer field, maybe that’s something you can try. You always talk about working in a hospital, that you always feel like you should be one of the people who are helping the patients.’”
Erick jokes that at this first suggestion he had only a vague familiarity with what radiology entailed, but he has always been a quick study and a powerfully dedicated learner. At the Peralta Community Colleges in Alameda County, he fulfilled all his prerequisites at Laney College before he transferred to Merritt College, where he was accepted into the radiology technologist program.
During his training, Erick rotated to several hospitals across the East Bay but had his eye on UCSF as one of his top priorities after hearing about the institution’s dual role in education and patient care, what it can offer to both patients and employees, and the caliber of the hospital at Parnassus. Despite his interest in UCSF’s reputation, Erick had some doubts during the car-BART-MUNI commute across the Bay. As the N-Judah emerged from the Buena Vista tunnel into Cole Valley he was nervous. He had only rotated through hospitals in the East Bay, so all the people and machines at Parnassus Heights were new to him.
“But right after the interview, I saw the Parnassus campus, I saw people walking around that huge area and from that first tour I had the feeling that this is a great place. The interview was handled in a really friendly and convincing way that told me this is a home; this is a place where I should work. People were welcoming and open to helping others. People offer teaching while you work there as if you're still in school, and there is a lot of motivation, encouragement, and a very warm atmosphere.”
To Erick, the most rewarding part of his work as a radiological technologist is being involved and engaged in making a difference for patient health. “As technologists we are involved with the team in every kind of procedure. I can see my contribution to help the radiologists and surgeons provide better patient care based on what I provide through the image. We technologists work with the doctors, we work with the nurses, we work with the physical therapists, we work with the management, and we are part of decision-making when it comes to the department meetings.”
Erick is dedicated to service and leadership both in and outside his work. He has served as the president of the council at his church for the past nine years, and he is a leader and the secretary of his Bay Area Tanzanian Community Group. Erick sees leadership as a chance to be improved by those he serves. “I love being a leader because it gives me the opportunity to learn from people. I get to hear a lot of feedback and take part in my organizations to solve problems.”
That appreciation for self-improvement through service is part of what has drawn Erick so strongly to his work at Parnassus. At a teaching hospital, radiological technologists also serve as educators for the next generation of students who are studying to join the career. Erick said, “I am passionate about teaching. That's one of my favorite things. Through teaching, you are building up you own confidence and gaining more knowledge as you explain all the factors of our department.”
Erick is a lifelong soccer fan and a Bay Area convert to basketball. He and his wife are eager travelers. This year they have gone to many cities across the US, and even all the way to Singapore.