Dr. Karanjot Sundlass is a radiologist with BayCare Clinic. Dr. Sundlass joined us on Wisconsin Tonight to talk about the expanding role of the radiologist in healthcare.
What is radiology?
Radiology is a branch of medicine that utilizes medical imaging to diagnose and guide treatment of diseases. A patient that breaks a bone, has an abnormal growth, has head trauma … they’ll usually benefit from the types of services radiology provides.
How important is radiology in healthcare?
Radiology is a vital part of healthcare. It is often used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases and health conditions. Radiologists use imaging services you’ve likely heard of – X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound and others – to offer individualized treatment options for patients. BayCare Clinic radiologists interpret more than 78,000 imaging studies each year.
Is a radiologist a doctor?
Yes, we are medical doctors who graduate from the same medical schools as your regular doctor or surgeon. We then go through a residency for specialized training in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries. Radiologists must pass a licensing examination focused on:
* Radiation safety and protection
* Radiation effects on the human body
* Appropriate performance and interpretation of quality medical imaging examinations
What is the traditional role of a radiologist?
Radiologists play a central role in healthcare. We serve as consultants to other physicians; we provide input on which type of exam will be most effective and then interpret the medical images that are made. We oversee technologists who operate exam equipment, thus ensuring proper performance and quality exams. Radiologists also treat cancer and hyperthyroidism through the use of radioactive materials. We also treat patients with minimally invasive, image-guided surgery, which is my specialty: interventional radiology.
How has the role of the radiologist expanded over the years?
Over the last 20 years, medical imaging has become much more sophisticated. Radiologists are increasingly involved in direct patient care. We have a clinic now where patients can come for consultation. Interventional radiologists are now able to provide targeted treatments using imaging guidance instead of open surgery. These specialized procedures are less risky, involve no large incisions, and are less painful compared to open surgical procedures. We use X-rays and other images to guide the instruments, such as needles and catheters, accurately and precisely. With this guidance, the interventional radiologist can thread the instruments through the body to wherever the disease or injury is located.
For more information
Call 920-288-4848 or visit baycare.net
