A Day with Radiologists

Author: Anne Boake, Co-Op Student, Medical Affairs, Assumption College Secondary School, Brantford.

In recognition of National Physicians' Day on May 1st, I spent a day in the Brant Community Healthcare System Radiology Department shadowing a few radiologists.

During my day shadowing in radiology, I learned more about what radiologists do in hospitals and gained a lot of valuable information and insight into the field. Radiologists are mainly known for utilizing various imaging techniques to diagnose patients. Still, there is so much more to their work. The Brantford General Hospital radiology department is split into various specialized sections. Every day, seven-eight radiologists cover up to nine rotations including CT, mammography, general/ultrasound, MRI and interventional radiology.

I started the day with our Chief and Medical Director of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Dr. Azra Khan, who was covering a rotation interpreting X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. She explained how her interpretations help guide fellow medical colleagues to determine the best treatment options. Evaluating a CT or MRI takes a lot of work and is a skill that takes years to hone. When a case gets sent to Dr. Khan, she studies the images on her special PACS monitor, which is designed to look at detailed images. She reviews the case to find any abnormalities. Then, she dictates her findings into a device that transcribes the patient report. As a part of her review, she compares the current case with relevant prior studies and lab work.

I got to ask Dr. Khan a couple of questions. I asked why she chose radiology as her specialty. She told me, "She loves radiology because every day is different and challenging in new ways. Every day is a learning opportunity." She told me, "It's like solving a mystery; every day, it's a new mystery." She also goes on to say how technology has driven radiology. Without technology, we could never have the medical advancements we can use today. Finally, she stressed the importance of 3D imaging and multiplanar imaging. Her reward is to be able to solve problems effectively and help patients.

After spending time with Dr. Khan, I got to spend some time with Dr. Maurice Voss, who works in a special field called Interventional Radiology. Shadowing Dr. Maurice Voss also showed me there's more to radiology than just imaging. Sometimes, people must go to intervention radiology for biopsies and minor procedures. He is also one of the funniest people I've ever met and one of the most honest.

I asked him the same question I asked Dr. Khan. He told me he loves radiology and his job because he "Gets to interact with people, help them, and encourages everyone to go into radiology." He explained that his wife got him into Radiology, and he said, "I've never looked back."

He also mentioned how many people are scared to go to medical school because of the time it takes. He said, "Why should the length of school matter when you get to have a 32-year career doing something you love?". That stuck with me because it shouldn't matter if you love what you do. The only downside he mentioned was that when people don't want the procedure done, it can get difficult.

My time in Radiology gave me a deeper understanding of the technology and equipment involved and the workflow of a typical day in a radiology department. It also allowed me to see radiology's major role in patient care. It also emphasized the importance of precision and good communication in medicine in general.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience that helped further fuel my appreciation for physicians who work daily to care for patients and an exceptional understanding and appreciation for the radiology field and medical imaging