Diane Engelbrecht has always had an eye for photography. As an avid photographer, she has devoted much of her spare time to capturing beautiful images. She didn't realize, however, that this passion would lead to a career interpreting patient images as a radiologist.

Diane grew up in a small town in North Dakota with a population of 12,000 people. She was interested in healthcare early on, so after high school she enrolled in a 3-year registered nurse program at Minot State and then went on to become certified as a nurse practitioner and physician assistant at the University of North Dakota.

After making friends with medical students on campus, Diane decided to further her education and completed her medical degree at the University of North Dakota. When it came time to determine her specialty area, she found that radiology allowed her to combine her love for photography and technology with her medical profession. “The radiology specialty had the best toys!” recalls Diane. She is continually impressed as imaging advances have enabled radiologists to see more and more inside the body. “Today we can find answers for patients better than ever before.”

Three of Diane’s favorite photographic inspirations are her sons: Jack (15), Henry (11) and Charlie (8). Outside of her work at Washington Imaging Services, participating in the busy lives and interests of her growing children is a full-time job in itself. Diane reflects that some of her happiest moments are observing the boys as they develop their own passions and personalities. “Right now, we have a piano, a trumpet and a drum set in our house. It’s enough to start our own band!”

She has been able to share her love of photography with her children by using some of their family pictures to create photo books together. After recently chaperoning her son Jack’s class trip to Greece, the two have been designing a photo montage of their trip’s most memorable moments.

Diane shares parenting responsibilities with her husband, David. Although they knew each other at age 12, David and Diane didn’t start dating until after college and have been together ever since. As the owners of a local event planning and rental company, Diane is thankful that she and David have different strengths that complement each other well. “He makes sure all of the details are taken care of. He’s over the top with his creative ideas which is great, because we balance each other well.” 

Diane completed her radiology residency program at the University of Kansas Medical Center and an Ultrasound Fellowship at the University of San Diego. Although her first radiology job was in Milwaukee, WI, she hoped to make it back to the West Coast where the lifestyle suited her well. Her hopes were realized when she was recruited for an ultrasound position at Overlake Ultrasound which would eventually become one of the components of Overlake Imaging.

It has been 13 years now since Diane joined OIA and she is happy that her profession continues to evolve. “I have been pleasantly surprised by the perpetual learning and progress in radiology. The staff and physicians I work with make me a better doctor by always pushing the limits of learning.”

Diane enjoys all of the advantages and opportunities that living in the Pacific Northwest can offer. Her family often spends weekends at their vacation home in Port Townsend, WA where her sons are immune to the cold water and swim year round. Port Townsend is also a favorite destination to practice photography. The surroundings are rich and it is a place where their family shares many fond memories. When asked what type of photography she likes most, Diane doesn’t hesitate, “Candid photography is my favorite.” Sometimes the perfect moment happens and you have to seize it.