A day at KCMC

A day at KCMC begins at 0730 with review of plain films for the medical and surgical services. Additional subspecialties such as orthopedics, pediatrics, urology, and otolaryngology have dedicated radiology rounds as well, though they occur less frequently throughout the week. Cases are displayed on a view box and a resident covers the findings and impression with Dr. Diefenthal present for further consultation.

Following rounds, the staff, comprised of assistant medical officers (i.e. PAs), residents, technicians, and attendings break to cover the CT, plain film, and ultrasound services. The majority of the time is spent doing ultrasound, where two machines are dedicated to general and obstetric exams, one for echocardiography, and one for pediatrics. Exams are performed/overseen by residents with assistance from an attending, though Dr. Diefenthal performs all pediatric exams himself. There are approximately 5 to 10 CT exams daily with each study monitored by a technician and an attending. Plain films are performed throughout the day and read in batches by the residents and attendings.

By 1500 the last remaining ultrasounds are completed and the staff breaks for lunch and an afternoon break. Dr. Diefenthal, the AMOs, and residents then reconvene at 1800 for a teaching session. Dr. Diefenthal instructs on the basics of radiologic physics as well as presenting cases within the pertinent modalities. Guest lectures are welcomed at this time.

Finally, the group returns to the hospital to read the remaining films of the day and to give a chance to the more junior trainees to take cases in a public forum. We return home around 1930 to have dinner and unwind. The residents take first call with the attendings serving as back up.