Countless people rely on the expertise of radiologists, though many people aren’t fully aware of the crucial role they play in the healthcare system. In this feature, we talk to Board-certified diagnostic and neuroradiology subspecialist, Dr. Malcom E. Williamson, who comments on his commitment to the practice of radiology.
Q: What inspired you to go into Radiology?
I chose to practice Radiology because of the daily impact we have on patients’ lives. Radiology has a big part in the evaluation of patients’ health since it can detect disease processes sometimes much earlier than they become evident to the patient and their regular primary care doctor. Examples include routine screening mammography and low-dose lung CTs, which can spot disease long before symptoms appear and disease becomes difficult or impossible to treat.
Q: What sets Radiology apart from other areas of medicine?
Almost every patient in the hospital has some sort of radiology exam. What a great way to serve patients and to have a positive impact on their lives: to stave off disease and correct problems so that patients can get back to good health.
Q: Why did you feel driven to take on additional training to subspecialize?
I specifically went into Neuroradiology because there is still a great mystery of how the brain and nerves function. I also have a personal interest in this field since I have a degenerative back issue and suffer from low back pain. However, I have remained functional from MRI and CT imaging to evaluate the causes of my pain and to plan non-invasive therapies such as spinal injections to help me. I would like to help patients in this same way.
For more information on Dr. Williamson, please see his profile here.
