Paul Dorio, MD

A radiologist reflects on indeterminate findings

Paul Dorio, MD

Physician

May 7, 2013

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Radiologists care about their patients, even though most diagnostic radiologists don’t meet and greet their patients the same way direct-care clinicians do.

Some people have the erroneous perspective that radiologists and pathologists don’t care about the welfare of their patients. It is possible for us to understand that view if we look at radiologists and pathologists as isolated workers who work …

Don’t be afraid to ask your radiologist for help

Paul Dorio, MD

Physician

December 14, 2012

It used to be that radiologists mainly helped out your doctor so that they could figure out what was ailing you. Such is no longer the case.

Nowadays, with the easy access to almost any doctor of any specialty, you can visit your radiologist, obtain a needed study (or procedure, in the case of an interventional radiologist), and never even see your …

Why test recalls should not be considered cheating

Paul Dorio, MD

Physician

May 22, 2012

I was appalled recently by the coverage of radiology “test recalls” by CNN, amplified by Dr. Gary Becker of the American Board of Radiology (ABR). For decades, residents have studied for their rites of passage Board examinations at the end of residencies. Radiology being no exception, I vividly remember spending innumerable hours with my co-residents, heads buried in books, papers and other study guides, to ready ourselves for the …

Why radiology is the cornerstone of any hospital

Paul Dorio, MD

Physician

October 19, 2011

Radiology is the cornerstone of any hospital. An efficient, high-quality, well-run radiology department increases patient satisfaction as a result of its ability to improve patient care. Over time, a well-run radiology department adds significant patient volumes to the hospital, which, of course, favorably enhances the hospital’s bottom line. Regardless of whether the hospital is not-for-profit or for-profit, a smooth-sailing radiology department vastly increases the profitability of the hospital. The …

What is your expectation when you visit a physician?

Paul Dorio, MD

Patient

July 27, 2011

As a physician, and as an interventional radiologist, I consult with many patients. Similar to anyone who sees and talks with many people, I encounter a significant diversity of personality types, cultures and attitudes. One thing I have noticed is that each person has a certain level of expectation regarding their care, illness, and our potential interaction.

I have visited with many people who are simply happy to have someone …

Cooperation between patient and doctor is essential today in health care

Paul Dorio, MD

Physician

May 4, 2011

There are many aspects to being a doctor. Just as important are the many aspects that go into being a patient. Of course, the difference is that one has been perceived as being a position of power and the other one has not. I don’t believe this distinction is useful or true in today’s world.

Patients and doctors work …

How to improve doctor patient communication

Paul Dorio, MD

Patient

February 22, 2011

When I was a medical student on my first clinical rotation, obstetrics, I was criticized for not using enough medical jargon when I spoke to the patients.

I took that criticism as a compliment and have always attempted to speak clearly and without too much “inflation” of my terms. In my opinion, the more clearly we physicians communicate, the better will be our patients’ understanding of their ailments.

The important topic of doctor-patient communication led a …

Pay close attention to what doctors say to patients

Paul Dorio, MD

Patient

December 20, 2010

In a report from the Archives of Internal Medicine, it was reported that most hospitalized patients (82%) could not accurately name the physician responsible for their care and almost half of the patients did not even know their diagnosis or why they were admitted. Of the physicians, 67% thought the patients knew their name and 77% of doctors thought the patients “understood their diagnoses at least somewhat …

Communicating with men and women in the exam room

Paul Dorio, MD

Patient

November 3, 2010

Who ever said you have to stay with the same doctor? I am always disappointed when I hear the stories that some people relate about how they sat and told their doctor this and that and that he/she didn’t listen, didn’t know what to do, didn’t care, etc.

Makes me sad of course, because I know how easy it is to just listen and look people in the eyes when they …

Radiation risks of CT scans need to be taught to patients

Paul Dorio, MD

Physician

September 17, 2010

Radiation is emitted in various forms. Recently, CT scan radiation has preoccupied (or “absorbed”) the attention of the public and media. As explained: “X rays, γ rays, and neutron beams are considered ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation may break molecules into pieces, creating ionic free radicals that can be very damaging to tissue.”

For this reason, it is imperative that the use of radiation is only by highly trained personnel and that …

Why radiology should become more like McDonald’s

Paul Dorio, MD

Physician

August 16, 2010

For years, I have been progressively beating a louder and louder drum — one where my colleagues know that I liken radiology to McDonald’s.

Most of the bad press out there, it seems to me, has to do with poor customer service. Our health care system is often inefficient, and delivers limited, incomplete care. The root of the problem, in my opinion, is that there aren’t enough doctors or hours in …

Physician assistant not associate: Reasons against a name change

Paul Dorio, MD

Policy

May 17, 2010

In reference to the seemingly “simple” name change being proposed for Physician Assistants to Physician Associates, I take great exception to the commentary offered by Dr. Zilberberg in her recent article entitled, Physician assistant name change rubs doctors the wrong way.

She states: “Physicians have been only too successful at becoming the final word in health, at the exclusion of all others.”

Physicians are the highest and most extensively trained group …

Paul Dorio, MD

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