Rethink Imaging

In this episode of Frame by Frame, host Chris St. John welcomes Dr. Kalpana Kanal, a diagnostic medical physicist specializing in CT imaging and radiation safety. Dr. Kanal shares her journey from pure physics to medical imaging, highlighting her pivotal role in establishing diagnostic reference levels for adult and pediatric CT scans. 


She discusses the impact of the ACR Dose Index Registry (DIR) in standardizing radiation dose management across healthcare facilities and the importance of balancing dose reduction with maintaining high-quality diagnostic images.


Dr. Kanal also delves into her groundbreaking work in forensic CT imaging, where advanced technology is used to determine causes of death without the need for invasive autopsies — addressing both practical and emotional challenges for families. 


As a trustee of the American Board of Radiology and former chair of the ACR’s CT Dose Index Registry, Dr. Kanal has significantly contributed to improving radiation safety nationwide. Her insights offer valuable guidance for facilities looking to optimize their imaging protocols while ensuring patient care and safety.


Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame, host Chris St. John sits down with Olav Christianson, VP of Clinical Strategy at Imologix, to demystify the upcoming mandatory reporting measures for CT radiation dose and image quality. 
Learn about translation software requirements, implementation strategies, and how to prepare your practice for 2027 compliance. Whether you're a radiology administrator, medical physicist, or healthcare IT professional, this episode provides clear guidance on meeting CMS standards while optimizing patient care. Discover why starting early could give your facility a competitive advantage in reimbursement and quality measures.
Olav Christianson is the Vice President of Clinical Strategy at Imologix, bringing over a decade of experience in medical physics and clinical consulting to the field of radiation dose monitoring and image quality analysis. With a Master's degree in Medical Physics from Duke University, he authored foundational papers on radiation dose tracking and automated noise assessment that have been cited by CMS in their measure specifications. 

As one of the early contributors to radiation dose monitoring, Christianson previously led a practice collaborating with over 300 hospitals across the US to optimize radiation protocols and improve patient safety. 

Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro: Meet Olav Christianson[02:06] From Astrophysics to Medical Physics: A Personal Journey[05:34] Understanding the New CMS Electronic Clinical Quality Measure (eCQM)[09:36] Breaking Down the Three Required Data Elements[15:18] Mandatory Reporting: Timeline and Preparation for 2027[19:39] Translation Software Options and Implementation Strategies[26:16] Choosing the Right Software Solution: Long-term Considerations[29:10] The Role of Dose Monitoring Software in Quality Improvement[32:26] The Future of Radiology: Beyond Image Noise Measurement[34:00] Key Takeaways and Future Industry ImpactRethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St. John welcomes Dr. Amy Patel, Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of Missouri Kansas City and Medical Director of the Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital. They discuss Dr. Patel’s journey from rural healthcare aspirations to becoming a leader in breast imaging advocacy, highlighting key legislative achievements in Missouri that expanded mammography access. The conversation explores innovative programs addressing healthcare disparities, challenges in advocating for federal legislation, and the crucial role of coalition building and digital platforms in mobilizing public support. Through powerful patient success stories, the episode underscores how dedicated advocacy can transform breast cancer care access and outcomes.

This discussion offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers, emphasizing the impact of legislative advocacy on healthcare access. Dr. Patel’s work exemplifies how medical professionals can drive systemic change while maintaining a personal connection to patient care. A passionate advocate for women's health, she has spearheaded major legislative efforts in Missouri to improve access to mammography services.

Her journey from a small rural town to becoming a key voice in breast imaging advocacy showcases her dedication to addressing healthcare disparities. As president of the Missouri Radiological Society and an affiliate member of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, she continues to shape health policy and expand public education through digital platforms.

Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro: Meet Dr. Amy Patel[01:31] From Rural to Imaging[03:58] Building Healthcare Advocacy[06:09] Legislative Wins in Missouri[09:25] Breaking Barriers in Access[13:53] Engaging with Legislators[16:19] High-Risk Breast Cancer Awareness[19:31] Path to Federal Legislation[23:30] Digital Advocacy for Change[25:19] Future Reforms & Coverage Gaps[27:35] Patient Impact & AdvocacyRethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In part 2 of this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Krupinski, a pioneering expert in the psychology of medical imaging and a professor at Emory University School of Medicine. With a pioneering focus on the psychology of medical imaging. 
Dr. Krupinski has dedicated her research to understanding the cognitive load and stress that radiologists face, particularly in relation to burnout. In this episode, she shares her insights on the psychological factors contributing to radiologist burnout and discusses the implications for both individual performance and patient care. Notably, she emphasizes the need for systemic changes within healthcare to better support radiologists and improve their work environment. Dr. Krupinski's expertise is crucial to the podcast's exploration of burnout in healthcare, as she provides actionable strategies for mitigating its effects and fostering a healthier workplace culture.

Together, they delve into the pressing issue of radiologist burnout, exploring its psychological underpinnings and the factors contributing to this significant challenge in healthcare. Dr. Krupinski shares her insights on the overwhelming volume of images radiologists must process, which has increased dramatically with advancements in imaging technology. This surge in workload, coupled with the complexity of cases, creates a high cognitive load that can lead to burnout.

Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro[00:02:30] The Burden of Image Volume[00:10:06] Understanding Burnout Beyond Fatigue[00:20:17] The Cultural Shift Needed in Healthcare[00:29:03] Recognizing Warning Signs of Burnout[00:32:38] Empowering the Next Generation of Radiologists[00:34:07] The Role of AI in Alleviating WorkloadRethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Krupinski, a pioneering expert in the psychology of medical imaging and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Emory University. This is Part 1 of a two-part series exploring how psychology intersects with radiology.

Dr. Krupinski's research delves into the cognitive and perceptual mechanisms that influence how radiologists interpret medical images. Her work is particularly relevant to the podcast's focus on the psychology behind radiologist errors, as she explores the challenges of burnout and the application of psychological principles to enhance both accuracy and well-being in radiology practice. 

Notably, Dr. Krupinski has conducted extensive research on the impact of fatigue on diagnostic performance, revealing significant drops in accuracy after prolonged work hours. Her innovative studies and insights into the intersection of psychology and radiology make her a vital voice in understanding and improving the field.

Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro  [00:02:25] Chance Encounter with Radiology  [00:07:17] Understanding Radiologist Errors  [00:15:29] Impact of Fatigue on Diagnostic Performance  [00:22:05] Environmental Factors in Radiology  [00:25:03] Challenges of Remote Reading  [00:33:59] Innovative Training TechniquesRethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame Rethink Imaging, host Chris Saint John is joined by Dr. Jason Adelberg, a radiology resident and AI researcher at Mount Sinai in New York City. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection of technology and medicine, discussing the challenges and innovations in radiology, the importance of patient safety, and how AI is reshaping the future of medical imaging. Tune in for insights that will inspire both professionals and curious minds alike!

This episode is a fascinating exploration of how technology is reshaping the field of radiology, and Jason's insights provide a hopeful perspective on the future of medical imaging. Tune in to discover how AI can enhance patient care and the role of radiologists in this transformative era.

Dr. Jason Adelberg is a radiology resident and AI researcher at Mount Sinai in New York City. With a background as a software engineer, Jason transitioned into medicine, discovering his passion for radiology during medical school. He has authored multiple papers on artificial intelligence and serves on the editorial board for the Radiology AI journal. Notably, he led a workshop at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) on building AI models without coding experience, which is also available on YouTube. In this episode, Jason shares his insights on the intersection of AI and radiology, emphasizing the importance of patient safety and the complexities of integrating technology into healthcare. His unique perspective as both a radiologist and AI developer positions him as a key voice in the ongoing conversation about the future of medical imaging and the role of AI in enhancing radiological practices.
Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro  [00:02:50] The Journey from Tech to Radiology  [00:10:20] AI as an Enhancer, Not a Replacement  [00:12:49] Automating Tedious Tasks with AI  [00:18:36] The Importance of Diverse Data in AI Training  [00:24:00] Navigating Regulatory Challenges in AI  [00:32:11] A Bright Future for AI in RadiologyRethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this special year-end episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St. John presents a carefully curated collection of the most profound and insightful conversations from 2024. 
The episode features seven distinguished voices who have helped shape the dialogue around medical imaging this year. From Dr. Tom Griglock's personal journey into medical physics to Dr. Ehsan Samei's philosophical take on the intersection of physics and medicine, each segment offers unique perspectives on the field's evolution.
Listeners will hear crucial discussions about AI integration with Dr. Eliot Siegel, workflow optimization with James Armbruster, healthcare policy insights from Dr. Lee Fleisher, radiation safety wisdom from Dr. Donald Frush, and dose optimization strategies from Dr. David Larson. 
This compilation episode serves as both a retrospective of the year's most valuable insights and a forward-looking examination of where medical imaging is headed.
Chapters: 

00:00 - Introduction to Special Episode 01:00 - Dr. Tom Griglock on Medical Physics and Patient Care 06:00 - Dr. Ehsan Samei: Bridging Physics and Medicine 12:00 - James Armbruster: Workflow and Communication 18:00 - Dr. Eliot Siegel on AI's Future in Radiology 24:00 - Dr. Lee Fleisher: Healthcare Policy and Patient Advocacy 30:00 - Dr. Donald Frush: Radiation Safety Fundamentals 36:00 - Dr. David Larson: Dose Optimization Strategies 37:00 - Closing Thoughts and Looking AheadRethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

This episode of the Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging podcast sees host Chris St. John enjoying a far-reaching conversation with Allen Goode, the Chief Diagnostic Medical Physicist at UVA Health System.

Radiology is in the midst of a technologist shortage, and it’s a problem that was only made worse by the ripple effects of COVID. Traditional recruitment methods are just no longer cutting it according to Allen, who is keener on proactive outreach and creative training programs. Listen in to have your eyes opened as to the vast untapped talent pools out there – if only there were the right educational incentives. 

Allen also gets into staffing dynamics on this episode – more and more, you’re seeing traveling technologists, and holding on to existing permanent staff is an ongoing battle. All of this matters so much because it has a direct impact on patient care and workflow efficiency. 

But what of the solutions? Well, Chris and Allen look into how to remedy these issues. Learn why outside-of-the-box thinking and continuous learning are the keys to beating this workforce crisis and keeping care quality standards high.
Chapters

00:00 - Intro01:51 - Life as a Medical Physicist04:21 - Travelers vs. Locals: The Pay Disparity Dilemma08:10 - Why Experience Matters in Complex Care11:28 - The Role of AI in Streamlining 15:57 - Burnout in the Imaging World18:03 - Investing in Technologists: Building a Stronger Team
20:46 - Giving Voice to the Experts23:03 - Adapting Recruitment Strategies26:57 - The Changing Face of Healthcare Staffing29:32 - A Hidden Talent Pool38:21 - The Stability of Healthcare Careers40:51 - Raising Awareness About Diverse Roles in Healthcare44:21 - OutroRethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of the Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging podcast, host Chris St. John welcomes Dr. David Larson, an esteemed leader in radiology and a passionate advocate for healthcare improvement. David is the Acting Chair and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Radiology at Stanford University, and among many other points, he lays out the three pillars of CT radiation dose optimization in this episode.

The show also covers the evolution from peer review to peer learning in radiology, the complexities of size-adjusted dose optimization, and the role of multi-disciplinary collaboration in creating sustainable radiology practices. 

In terms of improving the field as a whole, the pair share ideas around moving beyond merely hitting acceptable ranges with dose optimization and instead, setting targets and hitting them with absolute consistency. 

The discussion focuses on the development of imaging protocols, emphasizing the importance of balancing technological advancements with effective management strategies. 

Tune in to learn how innovative approaches and a target-based mindset are crucial for advancing radiology practices in today's evolving landscape.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro02:59 - Demystifying Socio-Technical Systems in Healthcare05:17 - From Peer Review to Peer Learning07:27 - Why Dose Matters in Radiology11:56 - The Importance of Size-Adjusted Dose14:22 - Real-World Dose Optimization18:09 - Automated Tube Current Modulation
20:52 - Enhancing Dose Control
22:29 - The Collaborative Equation: Radiologists, Physicists, and Technologists26:43 - Fine-Tuning Image Quality Across Use Cases29:54 - Dose Optimization for Smaller Hospitals33:02 - The Key to Effective Training in Radiology39:18 - Process Control: The Heart of Optimization44:12 - Preparing for New Radiology Technologies46:11 - Navigating Regulatory Changes49:25 - Misconceptions in CT Optimization51:25 - The Role of Administrators in Dose Optimization54:14 - A Lover’s Quarrel: Professional Debates in Radiology55:39 - OutroRethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of the Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging podcast, host Chris St. John sits down with Dr. Donald Frush to explore the complexities of cumulative radiation dose and its impact on patient care.

Dr. Donald Frush is a renowned expert in radiation safety and dose optimization and serves as a Radiologist at Duke University Medical Center. Here, he shares his wisdom with Chris from his extensive experience spanning over 25 years in advancing radiation protection in medical imaging.

The discussion explores the delicate balance between minimizing radiation exposure and ensuring high-quality imaging, emphasizing the critical role of optimization and justification in modern radiology.

Dr. Frush also shares his insights into managing recurrent imaging in both acute and chronic conditions, highlighting the importance of balancing diagnostic accuracy with radiation safety. The conversation later moves into pediatric considerations, both on a technical and emotional level, with the pair covering the development of imaging protocols and the emerging role of AI in dose management. 

Tune in to discover how modern technologies are reshaping radiology, reducing radiation exposure, and improving patient outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro02:02 - How Doctor Frush Entered Radiology04:17 - Basics of Radiation in Medical Imaging08:07 - The ALARA Principle: Keeping Radiation Low10:16 - The Evolution of Radiation Dose Management12:04 - Key Technologies in Dose Management15:35 - Balancing Image Quality with Radiation Dose
17:36 - The Team Approach to Radiation Protection
20:41 - Resources for Healthcare Providers on Radiation Safety26:20 - Recurrent Imaging and Cumulative Risk28:05 - Acute vs. Chronic Needs32:43 - Real-World Examples and Challenges in Recurrent Imaging35:32 - Optimizing Imaging Protocols42:33 - The Future of AI in Pediatric Imaging44:36 - Effective Communication about Radiation Risks47:05 - The Emotional Impact of Radiation Decisions in Pediatrics51:34 - Sincerity Goes a Long Way53:43 - Why Say: “It’s Nice to See You”?59:14 - The Thankless Yet Vital Task of Radiation Protection01:05:43 - Highlighting the Value of Imaging01:08:24 - Outro Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so