A Journey of Purpose: Diana Acosta's Path in Nuclear Medicine

From a career pivot to PET CT Tech at MSK's David H. Koch Center, Diana Acosta found her calling — and her community — in nuclear medicine.

diana-graduation

Not every career path runs in a straight line. Diana Acosta's certainly didn't — and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Diana joined Memorial Sloan Kettering in 2020 as a PET CT Tech in Radiology, navigating roles across multiple MSK locations before finding her home at the David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care. From the start, her motivation was simple: a deep desire to help others.

Growing up as the eldest daughter of Dominican immigrants, Diana felt a strong sense of responsibility toward her family. She originally set her sights on a career in physical therapy — but a pivot toward nuclear medicine and CT imaging opened a door she never expected.

That door led her to MSK, where she discovered a personal connection she hadn't anticipated. Her mother, Zunilda Vega, has worked at MSK as a Mammography Tech since 2018. Watching her mother's dedication and experiencing MSK's compassionate approach to care firsthand helped Diana realize she had found her calling.

"We're able to do so much now, and that amazes me," Diana says, reflecting on how far women have come — in healthcare, in leadership, and in life.

Diana's role at MSK extends well beyond the imaging suite. As an Epic Credentialed Trainer, she helps colleagues learn and navigate new systems, stepping naturally into a leadership role. Outside of work, she stays active in her community through her sorority, Omega Phi Beta, advocating for violence prevention and lending her voice where it matters. 

For Women's History Month, Diana draws strength from the women who shaped her — her mother, her family, and the community of women at MSK who show up every day with purpose and resilience.

Her message to other women? "You can achieve anything you set your mind to. The world is ours."

At MSK, Diana found more than a career. She found a place where her story — and her family's story — continues to grow.

You can achieve anything you set your mind to. The world is ours.

diana-acosta-profile Diana Acosta PET CT Tech