inPractice - Spring 2018 - 10

F E AT U R E

program to address social determinants of health and reduce care
barriers. By ensuring access to housing, reducing the impact of
financial limitations, advancing social engagement, improving
medication management and adherence, and ensuring access to
timely quality care and treatment, members reduce their risk for
admission and long-term complications of existing conditions.
Though Tina never saw herself working outside of a hospital,
her health care education helped propel her along this path,
including obtaining her master's degree in organizational
leadership and development. Her clinical experience provided
her with the foundation to understand the progression of disease,
the impacts of social and economic factors on health, the varying
needs of different populations, and the influences on each
generation. Tina's experience at the bedside gave her the skills to
demonstrate and promote respect, build trust, and engage and
empower members in managing their own care.
Tina's advice for students and health care professionals alike is
consistent with pursuing new avenues: "Network. Ask. Show
your continual desire to learn. Be open to learning from all
levels of experience and leadership throughout your career...Be
willing to take on new challenges repeatedly so that you can have
both risk and reward; you will learn from both. Allow yourself
to understand your motivations and areas for improvement so
you can share your unique gifts with the world. Remember that
you are part of a bigger team, who together have the answers and
connections to better serve the patient and community. Believe in
yourself. Be bold and daring in your contributions to a better day
for those you touch with your care and service."
BRYAN CUTLER, RADIOGRAPHY '95
REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE 100TH DISTRICT
IN THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES AND MAJORITY WHIP

uch like his days as an x-ray
technologist, no two days are
the same for Bryan Cutler as a state
representative. Though you know what you will try to accomplish
during a shift at the hospital or a day in Harrisburg, everything
changes based on what walks through the door. It's this
unpredictability and fluidness that keeps Bryan's days interesting.
While attending x-ray school at PA College, Bryan never saw
himself entering politics. In fact, he almost didn't see himself
entering the x-ray department - he nearly left the program in
his second year because he wasn't quite sure what he wanted to
do, but decided to stick with it because he enjoyed the handson patient care. During his x-ray tech career, he cross-trained
in special procedures and obtained his bachelor's degree, then
moved into radiology administration. Two years later, he was
ready to go back to school again, and considered medical school
before settling on a law degree, something he had aspired to since
seventh grade.
10 inPractice | SPRING 2018

With his background in health care, Bryan focused on health
care law during his education - even writing a paper on medical
malpractice solutions for the law review. In his third year, he
decided to run for office and was successfully elected to the
House of Representatives in 2006. He has remained in his post
since, representing the 100th district in southern Lancaster
County, and became Majority Whip in 2015.

Even though he's working
in a vastly different
arena, Bryan credits his
PA College degree as a
springboard to propel him
forward.
Bryan has put his health care background to work in the House
on a number of bills to improve health care in Pennsylvania.
One of his bills, Act 60 of 2013, helped eliminate redundant
accreditation procedures for hospitals already meeting state
licensing requirements. Another bill he's currently working
on will improve licensing consistency for professionals using
diagnostic imaging. Overall, Bryan has served as a subject
matter expert for his fellow legislators in all matters relating to
health care. Only five of more than 250 state legislators have a
background in health care, so Bryan's expertise is critical to make
sure well-intentioned legislation actually works for providers
and patients. Bryan also lends his expertise to PA College,
serving on the advisory board for the Radiography program and
participating in student programs as a guest speaker.
Even though he's working in a vastly different arena, Bryan
credits his PA College degree as a springboard to propel him
forward. His degree in an in-demand health care field allowed
him to work and support his family as he earned his bachelor's
degree and attended law school, and his health care background
allowed him to bring his clinical expertise to his studies.
Bryan encourages students and health care professionals to
engage with their local elected representatives to keep legislators
informed. Let them know that you're a health care provider, and
encourage them to reach out anytime they're working on health
care legislation to offer insight on both the provider and patient
impacts. Because so few legislators come from this background,
but it is a huge part of our economy and our lives, the insights of
health care providers are extremely valuable.

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