Melissa Craig Gort, a 2019 graduate of Oregon Tech’s Nuclear Medicine program, has always been driven by a passion for healthcare. Before finding her path to nuclear medicine, Melissa worked as an EMT in Sacramento, California, where she gained invaluable experience and insight into the medical field. Through conversations with healthcare professionals, she discovered her interest in nuclear medicine, a field that offers not just diagnostic solutions but also the potential for life-saving early detection.
When it came time to select a college, Melissa was determined to find a program that would provide her with comprehensive training. After learning about Oregon Tech’s nationally recognized medical imaging programs through a family connection, she researched the school and was drawn to the idea of earning a full bachelor’s degree rather than a two-year certificate.
After moving to Klamath Falls to establish residency and complete the few prerequisites she needed, Melissa began her journey at Oregon Tech, where she quickly became a leader, serving as the president of the Nuclear Medicine Club while working two jobs to support herself through school.
“I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in nuclear medicine, and Oregon Tech’s program offered everything I needed,”
While studying at Oregon Tech, Melissa experienced firsthand the life-saving power of nuclear medicine. Her father, a healthy and fit man, underwent a nuclear stress test that revealed three advanced heart blockages. Thanks to the test, the blockages were detected early, preventing a potential heart attack. “That just cemented for me that nuclear medicine was the right path,” Melissa says.
After completing her degree, Melissa’s career took her to the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Starting as a nuclear medicine technologist, Melissa worked her way up to become the lead of Mayo Clinic Arizona’s theranostics team, which focuses on treating advanced cancers using nuclear medicine. As part of this cutting-edge field, Melissa has had the privilege of being involved in groundbreaking treatments for patients, providing them with improved quality of life and hope.
“The support and training I received at Oregon Tech truly prepared me for a successful career,”
In addition to her leadership at Mayo, Melissa is also a presenter at medical conferences, sharing her expertise in nuclear medicine with professionals from around the world. She credits Oregon Tech for providing her with the foundation and skills necessary to excel in her field.
Melissa has an adventurous spirit that takes her beyond the hospital walls. She’s a certified scuba diver, exploring underwater worlds as often as she can. Whether navigating the vibrant reefs or encountering marine life up close, scuba diving has become her way to unwind and stay connected to nature. Adding to her list of hobbies, Melissa is also working towards her pilot’s license, embracing the thrill of aviation. These pursuits are more than hobbies—they’re extensions of her curiosity and drive to experience life from new perspectives.
Melissa’s journey from EMT to leading theranostics technologist at Mayo Clinic is an inspiring example of dedication, hard work, and the power of education. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue advancing the field of nuclear medicine and help develop theranostic centers across Mayo Clinic's network.