10 Questions with Nichole Graham
The breast ultrasound tech, who started her healthcare career in food services more than 20 years ago, combines her passion for science and patient care at Cuda Women’s Health Center.
Nichole Graham loves connecting with patients and listening to their stories. From talking with a woman who was a professional dancer and who held three different careers to speaking with vibrant, active women in their 90s, Nichole says the amazing women she has met from around the world are inspiring and their stories are empowering.
This natural curiosity and genuine interest in people help women feel at ease. As a breast ultrasound tech at Cuda Women’s Health Center, Nichole sees many patients who are called back following a routine mammogram. The radiologist may have spotted an abnormal area on the original mammogram for which additional clarification is needed. That’s where Nichole’s expertise fits in—she helps the radiologist put together a fuller picture.
“Patients come in here and think as soon as we call them in for an ultrasound, there’s something really wrong with them and they are going to die,” says Nichole, who works with two other dedicated breast sonographers at Cuda. “But it’s not the case—it’s a process. We try to get everybody through it.”
While Nichole loves listening to everyone else’s stories, her own journey of how she landed at Cuda eight years ago is an inspiring tale worth spotlighting. At age 18, her healthcare career began in food services at Cape Cod Hospital. She describes the job as a game-changer because it exposed her to the world of healthcare. As a food server, she came into contact with doctors, nurses and people who worked in a variety of specialties at the hospital.
From food services, she changed directions and pursued her radiology technologist degree in Boston. After working as an X-ray tech at Boston-area hospitals and earning her undergrad degree at Boston University, she returned to the Cape—initially working at Falmouth Hospital and eventually at Cuda.
Today, she works in a specialized field that combines her passion for science and patient care. It’s a job that requires an eye for detail. “Breast ultrasound imaging takes about two years full-time for your eyes to be fully trained to see the subtle changes within the breast tissue,” says Nichole, who has worked in X-ray, MRI and ultrasound for more than 20 years.
We recently caught up with Nichole at the end of her shift where she shared her daily mantra, unique hobbies and passion projects outside of work.
1. Describe a day in the life:
I start my day at 8 a.m., and it involves reviewing cases with radiologists before scanning patients for any breast abnormalities, and I assist radiologists with ultrasound-guided breast biopsies. At times, I go over to the hospital, where we perform needle localizations for the surgeons before patients start their breast surgery.
2. What advice do you have for women when it comes to mammograms?
I always tell people it’s so important to come every year because the radiologist looks for subtle changes. It’s important to have a detailed record. If anything is seen, it’s so much more manageable seen earlier rather than later.
3. Do you have a passion project?
My steel artwork. My dad is a welder and I’ve taken up this skill. So far, my artwork has been mostly coastal-themed—fish of all shapes and sizes—but I’m exploring the idea of what makes a woman beautiful and why a woman identifies so much with outward elements. It’s courageous what these women go through. We have patients who have had their breasts removed and they have these amazing tattoos on their chest where their breasts used to be. Some of these patient stories really grip you. When I get out of work, I try to leave this behind, but you don’t leave this stuff behind. It’s merging together for me now.
4. What is your mantra?
Always say yes to any new adventure or opportunity that comes your way.
5. What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Definitely coffee.
6. Best advice you have ever received from a friend, family member or coworker?
If you are going to do something, do it to the best of your ability.
7. What would a perfect day off look like to you?
A hike in the woods.
8. When was your last moment of self-care?
I go to the gym and run outside daily.
9. Where do you like to explore on the Cape?
Jeremy Point in Wellfleet.
10. What are some of your hobbies?
I have a lot of weird hobbies. In addition to my artwork, I enjoy curling, and I’m also a beekeeper. After this interview, I’m going to my dad’s house to take care of a wasp’s nest. I’m a Cape Codder at heart—I grew up in Falmouth and spent my teenage years in Barnstable. I love shellfishing and doing all the things that make you a Cape Codder.
