First there was PACS: picture archiving and communications systems. Over the last decade, as managing medical imaging has expanded far beyond radiology, enterprise imaging was born. But what is enterprise imaging in its best form?
Looking back on my career as a radiologist—now in its 22nd year and counting—I see three themes consistently guiding my “work-life balance.” These would be control, culture and lifestyle. Let me explain.
In 2020, a growing health system in the Northeast asked vRad for assistance. Like many providers around the country, all of its hospitals were struggling with physician shortages that largely stemmed from recruiting challenges.
Radiologists have an important choice to make at the beginning of their careers: do they want to start a fellowship after their residency or immediately join a radiology practice?
What a difference three years can make. In 2018 the radiologists of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare registered a unanimous opinion: “There’s no way we’re going with Hitachi as our CT supplier.” Late 2021 finds the same tough crowd still united on the CT front.
The United States has faced a growing shortage of physicians for some time. This long-term trend—coupled with the pandemic and increased imaging demand throughout 2021—have led to a highly competitive radiologist employment market at a time when practices find themselves short-staffed, overworked, and in need of relief.
Can you recall the last shift during which you spent close to 100% of your time on clinical duties?
I can. It was my last shift. I had no administrative obligations, no committee meetings, no software glitches, no running around trying to find a physician or tech—just eyes on images and voice into the mic.
Medical malpractice claims are a significant source of anxiety for all radiologists. Unfortunately, decisions made in the heat of the moment, with the absolute best intentions, can still land a specialist in court.
Why would a 40 year old, well-respected player change their name amidst mass industry consolidation? Competitive move? Sure. Advantage for partners and patients? Illuminating. Over the last few years, there has been a dramatic reshape occurring in the practice of radiology.
Before the pandemic, hospitals were hesitant to embrace a cloud journey. Sure, some were using the cloud for research projects and used cloud-based applications like Microsoft 365, but use of the cloud for medical imaging data management was largely in its infancy.
On March 4, 2021, Kim Tzoumakas was appointed CEO of the company formerly known as the Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) — now RAYUS Radiology by Wellspring Capital Management. Wellspring knew CDI had significant potential for growth and chose Tzoumakas to lead the organization; Tzoumakas was fresh off a successful turnaround and sale of 21st Century Oncology to GenesisCare in May 2020.
