ASET President
Term: 1977 - 1979
Biography
Patricia Ramsey’s career in electroencephalography (EEG) is a story of unexpected opportunity and a lifelong commitment to the field. Originally pursuing a degree in special education and working with handicapped children and teenagers, her trajectory took an accidental but ultimately defining turn in 1971. Hired initially as a mailroom clerk at Burrell Neurological Institute, she was redirected into an EEG training program thanks to the intervention of personnel director Dorothea Brittenham, a relationship that blossomed into a lifelong mentorship. Receiving her R. EEG T. that same year, Patricia began a career that would be shaped by the dedication of early pioneers and marked by significant contributions to the field.
Patricia’s early career was characterized by collaboration and a thirst for knowledge. Alongside her friend Kathy, she passed her boards and was invited to present at the first EEG education seminar. Their shared passion for the work led them to collaborate on exciting special projects, particularly in addressing artifact, and fueled their attendance at numerous meetings, forging a lasting friendship tragically cut short by Kathy’s death in 2000. These early experiences, coupled with the opportunity to attend brain cuttings and Grand Rounds at Burrell Neurological Institute, provided invaluable hands-on learning and a deep understanding of neurological processes. She fondly recalls training on the iconic GRASS Model Six, even with its limitations, and remembers the challenges of transitioning to newer, solid-state equipment.
Throughout her career, Patricia has been a vocal advocate for continued education and standardization within the EEG field. While she considered a career continuing her work in special education, Patricia’s legacy lies in her dedication to EEG. She served as president of ASET, working to rebuild relationships and promote collaboration between professionals, and consistently emphasizes the importance of seeking simple solutions to complex problems – a philosophy she applies to both technical and personal challenges.
Interview with ASET Historical Advisory Committee
Patricia Ramsey discussed her career in EEG, starting with her R. EEG T. in 1971 at Burrell Neurological Institute in Phoenix. She highlighted her mentors, including Dorothea Brittenham and Karen Peterson, and her early training on GRASS Model Six equipment. Ramsey emphasized the importance of standardization, such as the 10-20 system, and the impact of computerization. She noted ongoing issues like the lack of registration requirements for EEG technologists and the need for better training programs. Ramsey also reflected on the professional growth and the importance of ongoing learning in the field.