Exploration of Radiology's Past and Future Unfolded in Podcast Sequel 2
In a significant development within the healthcare sector, Mitchell Schnall, MD, PhD, has been appointed as senior vice president for data and technology solutions at the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) following two terms as chair of radiology in Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine.
Schnall, a renowned figure in radiology, has been on an upward trajectory at Penn since leaving high school. His background in physics and engineering has influenced his early work developing MRI coils and breast imaging research. In a recent interview on AuntMinnie's Keeping Up with the Radiologists podcast, Schnall discussed the history of radiology and the shift from traditional imaging techniques to modern CT and MR.
The paradigm that radiology is a high-cost, nuanced resource reserved for high-end imaging is eroding. Schnall expressed concern that radiologists are becoming divorced from image acquisition and the importance of maintaining expertise in technology to continue to be stewards of technology. He noted that the shift from traditional imaging techniques to modern CT and MR was a significant change in the profession.
The fiscal pressure on healthcare organizations and the healthcare system is currently recognized. Schnall emphasized that convenience, safety profile, and costs are important factors in the adoption of new technology. He believes that the vision for the road ahead includes marrying the tools to daily work needs to make everything more effective and efficient.
Schnall spearheads UPHS' efforts to understand new tools and approaches and determine how best to implement them across the health system. The electronic health record (EHR) is a key focus, with Schnall working between information technology and clinical practice.
The role of radiologists is evolving, with clinical skills becoming increasingly important. Radiologists are becoming part of the upfront management of the process, suggesting a "physician-plus-radiologist model". Specialists such as cardiologists and pulmonologists encroaching into imaging has been a topic of discussion.
Medicine has been criticized for not using IT resources effectively, but the tools are getting better and more sophisticated. Schnall noted that the best patient care typically prevails in the long run, regardless of temporary trends in technology adoption.
Saurabh (Harry) Jha, MD, an associate professor of radiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, shares Schnall's vision. Together, they aim to revolutionize the field of radiology, making it more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
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