iRADiX

Of all the things in life, it is the uncertainty of the future that is the most perplexing to the human beings. We try to gauge the future though scientific and non-scientific means and hedge our forecasts using the terms probability or likelihood or some other jargon. Still, it is the wait that gnaws our heart, doesn’t let us sleep peacefully and makes us prone to panic attacks.

As Radiologists we are the masters of forecasting. A look at a scan and we decide how much longer a person may live, whether he can be cured or what are his chances of having a normal life. We use our imperfect knowledge and imperfect tests to determine someone’s fate. But imperfect tests are all we have, however might a layperson clamor for simple yes-no answers from us.

So often the anticipation of joy turns into fear of unknown, because of our imperfect ways to predict future.

It starts with a phone call

Doc, we want to get a pregnancy scan. Do you do it?

Yes, we do ultrasounds. Its our specialty…

Good, but we need to do it fast, cos’ we have a flight to catch.

Let me see what I can do, my schedule is a bit busy right now. You will have to wait a bit. Or you can take another appointment…

No it’s URGENT.. we need to get it done right away. You see we are going to America. We need to get these tests done before we leave.

Okay, let’s see… Yes I think I can squeeze you between two of the appointments. But you need to come with in 15 minutes.

No problem…

Two hours later, a couple turns up at reception...

Dilletante

One who takes an interest, an aesthetic, a dispassionate and detached interest in all things. His interest is intellectual, something abstract and necessarily superficial. It is not a vital interest, not a question of his soul, not an urgent problem of his living.

Is it your signature?

Dr.X, the senior radiologist came looking very hassled and worried. The ENT professor has rung him up and was telling him that this could not be the signature of a Radiologist on the report.

It must be the signature of a technician. Why? The descriptive report had been written with no relevance to the case and the senior surgeon was upset.

The one thing that sets us apart from all other “repairers” is that we deal with human beings.