SPOTLIGHT -
Eric Postal, MD, is a diagnostic radiologist with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Brainstorms Without Dry Spells
Eliminating time frames for idea generation can frequently lead to more robust discussion and creativity.
Friendly Competition: An Exercise in Re-framing
Instead of concentrating on mis-steps and failures, focus on the opportunities they create.
Recovering from Traumatic Anchoring
Sometimes the starting point for negotiations can be completely outside the anticipated ball park.
Can Silencing and De-platforming Come to Healthcare?
What could happen if the subject of discussion is a widely used radiology exam?
Selective Deafness and Forced Mutism
The importance of listening.
Don’t Just Push Harder
Sometimes taking a step back can help you find the path to keep moving forward.
Things That Are Not on Images
What if you report things that aren’t on the scan you’re given?
It Seemed to Make Sense at the Time
Sometimes autopilot can be the protector of critical thinking and decision making.
How Many Jobs Equals a Career?
Working at one facility or practice for your entire career is no longer the norm. Knowing how to recognize when – and why – to make a move can be beneficial.
Grinning Like an Idiot
Getting you through the end-of-year doldrums and work pressures.
The Magic of “Because”
Giving a reason for your requests can lead to greater compliance and better outcomes, especially in the workplace.
Running Interference
When support staff step in to control communications and keep the workday running smoothly.
The Poison Pill of “Yes”
An agreement or a promise does not mean much if it is not clear how you can or will reach the goal.
The Feedback/Venting Button
Venting into the ether when you are "frustravated" can be cathartic.
The Simplest Path of Least Resistance
What options do you have when presented with cases that cannot be read “as-is?”
Minding the Whys and Wherefores
Knowing the reasons behind your decisions – especially ones that affect patients – can be as important as the decision itself.
Behind the 8-Ball
When a self-imposed expectation of productivity is a driving force.
Another Drop in the Ocean
How many lives have you changed, one scan at a time?
A Mostly Botched Attempt at Leadership
Taking time to ask questions – instead of announcing mandates – can be far more effective.
Not Following Blindly
Double-check behind those follow-up orders – is now the time, is it the right study, are prior studies needed?
Twit, MD…Might That Be Me?
Follow Diagnostic Imaging Editorial Board member and regular columnist Eric Postal on Twitter.
IMs and RTs
The two philosophies of Itinerant Mercenaries and Remote Teammate teleradiologists.
Bought and Sold – Again
Teleradiology group vRad finds yet another new owner in MEDNAX sale to Radiology Partners.
Respect Is Not a Two-Way Street
In radiology, in fact, respect is more like a traffic circle.
In a Radiologist’s Mind
When your faculties begin to wander…
My Escape from a Black Pearl
When the medical knowledge you’ve learned begins to tarnish – or turn out to be downright wrong.
Nurse Apples and Radiologist Oranges
Looking at the existing push for non-radiologists to interpret exams.
A QA Interaction I Felt Pretty Good About
Quality assurance works best as a learning opportunity rather than a mere chance to point out mistakes.
Beating Up the Crew So the Ship Will Go Faster
Holding providers and staff accountable for the administration's decisions leads to negative impacts.
Adding Substance to Your House of Cards
Your radiology career is a perpetual cycle of gaining experience that adds to your expertise and ensures your continued professional growth.