Radiology

My discussion for this entry is in two segments.  In the first segment I will discuss changes in radiology and the separate components of modern radiology practices that need to be integrated to create a more healthy practice, department and hospital.  In the second segment I will discuss the 6 specific enhancements that can be seen when groups synergize the way they practice.

I dabble in many roles at vRad including study interpretation, client services, site visits, CME presentations, and quality assurance (QA) review. It is this last that I have chosen as the topic for my first blog. I, as all vRad radiologists, have felt the painful sting of a QA submission on more than one occasion and know that the awful experience has a powerful effect on both personal and professional pride.  The fact that our red RIS indicator is the same color as my early teachers' corrective pens helps to lessen the impact not at all.  I well remember my own response to my early QAs, and I have noticed a similar pattern in many colleagues in my years of QA review.  I have at last achieved some measure of peace with my own fallibility as well as a significant reduction in my own error rate and I would like to share the insight I believe is most responsible for that state.

I have chosen the title for my blog entries, "The Quandary". A quandary is defined as a state of uncertainty or indecision as to what to do in a difficult situation. I believe this is a great description of where radiology and radiologists find ourselves in these changing times as we try to determine the right path individually and professionally. Hopefully what we discuss here will help us move from a quandary to answers we can put into action. And so without further delay, the inaugural blog.