Skills to Build On
Ramell Ramey is Built at Brown Health. Ramell is a diagnostic imaging support services manager at Brown University Health. He tells us some of the reasons why he loves his job. Watch the video now.
Meet Ramell Ramey, Diagnostic Imaging Support Services Manager
Brown University Health is a great place to grow your career. Here’s an example of how a current employee built their career within the organization.
At only 25 years old, Ramell Ramey has built a fast-moving career at Brown University Health by doing more than learning the job. He has built strong relationships, sought out mentors, and stayed open to new opportunities. Over the past eight years, he has grown from a high school student in a summer program into a manager leading a team that supports diagnostic imaging services across the health system.
A Summer Opportunity Sparks a Career
Ramey’s story began with curiosity and a recommendation from friends. He first joined the organization through the Brown Health Summer Youth Employment Program, which some of his friends had applied for and were planning to attend. The program offers people ages 16 to 19 paid work experience and the opportunity to build skills in a wide array of departments across Brown Health from physical therapy to information technology to radiology.
“I was in high school, so I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with my career,” he said. “I had no idea that I was going to even have an interest in healthcare at all.”
Ramey spent his summer working as a central transport aide, where he was responsible for moving patients, delivering mail, transferring medical records, and transporting laboratory specimens, equipment, and other patient-related materials throughout the hospital. The role offered Ramey a look at what working in healthcare was like and sparked his interest in the field. What began as a summer job quickly became a foundation for a long-term career path.
Finding Direction Through Mentorship
A couple of years after graduating from high school, Ramey returned to Brown Health in a full-time role as a clinical equipment technician at The Miriam Hospital. Leaders and colleagues helped him identify his strengths, develop new skills, and think strategically about his future.
He credits consistent mentorship as a key factor in his success, noting that each role came with leaders who took time to invest in his growth. One of those leaders, Linda Coleman, manager of the Brown University Health Contact Center at The Miriam Hospital, had a significant impact.
“She inspired me to keep growing in my career. She's been a big part of that–showing me the skills, showing me the importance of trust and communication,” said Ramey. “Many leaders within the organization have encouraged me to grow and to look for opportunities that align with my skills.”
From Entry-Level to Management
After his first full-time job at The Miriam Hospital, Ramey returned to Rhode Island Hospital and steadily advanced through roles, including patient care attendant, housekeeping services group leader, and supervisor of central laundry services. He later transitioned into a supervisory role in call center operations at The Miriam Hospital before stepping into his current position as manager of diagnostic imaging support services.
Each move stemmed from relationships he built with colleagues and leaders who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue new opportunities. By staying engaged, asking questions, and exploring internal job openings, Ramey expanded his skills across departments and gained a well-rounded understanding of operations throughout the organization.
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Looking Ahead: Education and Advancement
Ramey continues to think ahead. He is exploring opportunities to deepen his expertise and broaden his leadership impact, including pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at the University of Rhode Island.
“I plan to take advantage of the opportunities that Brown University Health gives for education, trying out new things in my career, and eventually leading to a director role,” said Ramey. “I hope my story reminds young aspiring leaders that no matter where you start, whether that's in healthcare or not, if you stay hungry, if you stay humble, and stay committed to excellence, there's no limit to where your journey can take you.”
Why He Chose to Stay at Brown Health
Ramey’s decision to stay at Brown Health is rooted in the organization’s investment in its people.
“I love my staff,” he said. “The organization invests in employees. Whether you're a manager, director, or an entry-level employee, they invest in you. I think all of the opportunities besides what comes with your day-to-day job is what encourages me to stay at Brown University Health.”