40 years of work at PMC

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joconnell@journalnet.com

POCATELLO -- Marilyn Snook has been a part of every phase in the evolution of Portneuf Medical Center throughout her 40-year career.

In 1968, she completed her training as a radiologist and joined the staff at St. Anthony's Hospital, run by the Sisters of Mercy.

A decade later, Intermountain Health Care bought out the hospital.

In 1981, IHC opened the Pocatello Regional Medical Center, where Snook continued her career until PRMC merged with the Bannock Regional Medical Center to form PMC.

Next month, Snook will be part of yet another chapter in the hospital's development when PMC, owned by Bannock County, signs a partnership with Legacy Hospital Partners, based in Plano, Texas.

For her four decades of medical service, PMC recognized its longest tenured worker Dec. 16 with an annual employee service award. Her accomplishments are particularly impressive given the fact that she was born deaf and reads lips to communicate with others.

"It has not been easy for me. The telephone has been the biggest problem," Snook said of her hearing impairment, adding coworkers have helped her succeed in her job.

Snook said she's loved her work because it's allowed her to meet terrific people.

"I meet a lot of people through the town. Everybody knows me," Snook said. "It makes me feel good because I have people come in and ask for me even after all of these years."

Snook grew up in Nebraska and decided to become a radiologist based on her experience working at a dental office through high school.

When she graduated from high school, she moved to Pocatello to attend a two-year college program at Idaho State University.

After graduating from the program, she was accepted into a radiology program at BRMC that took in only two students per year. She became a registered X-ray technician in 1968, the year that she started work at St. Anthony's.

"Back in 1968, there were two technicians maybe and one or two radiologists. Now we have 40 maybe," Snook said.

During her career, she's watched the hospital grow, both in the services offered and the number of employees. She's also witnessed the switch from analog to digital equipment.

In 1975, Snook started giving mammograms, a job she now does exclusively.

On a weekly basis, she staffs the hospital's mobile mammography service, which travels to places as far away as Salmon and Big Piney, Wyo., giving mammograms to low-income women.

"I take pride in (my work) and I'm also excited about the challenge we have with the new Legacy coming in," Snook said.

Snook is also intimately involved in Brake for Breakfast, and most other local events and organizations aimed at fighting cancer.

By John O'Connell

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