Letter from Helene Pavlov, MD, FACR, Radiologist-in-Chief he theme of this year’s Department of Radiology and Imaging Annual Report, What Makes Us Different (and Better!), is inspired by the daily dedication of our Faculty and Staff when providing efficient and quality clinical services, education, and research. Our Faculty and Staff regard each and every patient as a VIP. Unlike most imaging providers, we neither use standardized techniques to acquire our images nor employ templated reports for interpretation. Each and every CT, US, MRI, and even our conventional X-Ray examinations as well as our interventional procedures—whether performed with fluoroscopy, CT, or Ultrasound guidance—are acquired and interpreted on a case-by-case basis to ensure the optimal potential for an accurate diagnosis. This individualized philosophy in our approach to imaging distinguishes us from other providers and allows for imaging findings to be detected as early as possible when abnormalities may still be subtle. To optimize patient care, we contact our referring physicians to report significant, as well as critical, Helene Pavlov, MD, FACR, findings. This dedication and individualization applies to the provision of our clinical services, the Radiologist-in-Chief education of Fellows and Residents, and the manner in which we conduct our research investigations. Research is focused on answering clinical questions and in identifying preclinical evidence of pathology, sometimes even before signs and symptoms are evident. Status quo is never acceptable. We strive continuously to grow and improve. During the 2011 and 2012 Academic Years, a number of key changes in the Department helped us enhance clinical services and improve patient flow. Patient access has been made easier with a heightened Say No 2 No philosophy for scheduling (see page 6). Whenever possible, same day add-on procedures are performed. We also emphasize to our staff the power of yes, especially when communicated with a smile. Our patient service liaisons, assistants, schedulers, registrars, file-room technicians, and technologists each have a major role in making our patients know they are respected and that we care about their treatment. Everyone in the Department is responsible for earning and maintaining the trust not only of our distinguished referring physicians but also the trust of each and every patient. We know that constantly upgrading hardware and software helps make us different (and better!). Recently acquired CT software drastically reduces radiation dose without loss of image quality. Following intense review for image quality and patient safety, the CT Division received a three-year term of Gold Standard Accreditation in Computed Tomography for adult and pediatric patients by the American College of Radiology. In the Division of Ultrasound, new procedures allow us to acquire and interpret advanced US–imaging examinations as well as to identify post-surgery healing patterns through US-guided procedures performed with state-of-the-art equipment and expertise. The Division of MRI continues to expand. Our 10, soon to be 11, high-field-strength magnets make HSS one of the largest musculoskeletal MRI imaging centers in the world. State-of-the-art MRI research and clinical diagnostic accuracy are responsible for recent funding of an endowed Chair in MR Research for Dr. Hollis Potter, Chief, MR Division, and for the naming of the MR Division. Our team is always strategizing for the years ahead, including investigating an updated Radiology Information System (RIS), improving the ease of remote image access though cloud-based technology and use of iPads and iPhones, eliminating unnecessary duplicate imaging though providing efficient imaging algorithms for diagnosis of various conditions, reducing ionizing radiation exposure, and initiating preparation for ICD–10 coding. Our goal is to continually identify new imaging methodologies and interpretive parameters to enhance diagnosing symptom etiology as early as possible in the course of a disease or condition. Our Faculty and Staff are committed to educating future musculoskeletal radiologists and technologists in mastering the unique musculoskeletal imaging performed and interpreted at HSS. We seek to inspire trainees to initiate and conduct radiology imaging research, to continue to improve imaging diagnostics and research, to build upon the foundation of knowledge they achieved at HSS, and to distinguish themselves among their colleagues as HSS trained. Through clinical care, education and research, we strive to be different (and better!) and to gain an edge over other imaging groups and facilities.
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Helene Pavlov, MD, FACR Radiologist-in-Chief 2
HSS Department of Radiology and Imaging