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The Importance of Diagnostic Testing
There are various kinds of imaging for assessing your health. Chitra Saxena, Director of Imaging Services at St. John's Riverside, discusses the importance of radiology diagnostic testing.
Featured Speaker:
Since her passion was in research, after completing her Nuclear Medicine Technology Degree, Chitra was given an opportunity to lead the newly innovative Research Department at Columbia University in the year 2000.
While performing research she became interested in public health and graduated from Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University with a master’s degree in 2006. Chitra’s area of expertise includes radiology operations which includes strategic planning, process improvement, budget and finance, quality improvement, regulatory affairs compliance, inspections by Joint Commission, American College of Radiology and Department of Health.
After working for more than a decade in the research field, Chitra wanted to shift in clinical space and utilize her radiology research experience to lead clinical radiology operations. Being a resident of Westchester for more than a decade, she always wanted to come back home and serve her heartfelt closely connected community.
Chitra has fond memories of taking her kids, family members, and at times, friends to Dobbs Ferry and St. John’s Riverside Hospital for care and is grateful to be a part of the same institution.
Chitra is most enthusiastic about public speaking and has given lectures on the topic of radiology leadership and has publications on her research. She is a Board Member of SNMMI for the national society.
Chitra Saxena, NMTCB, MPH
Chitra Saxena, Director of Imaging Services at St. John’s Riverside Hospital has been a proud member of this warm welcoming and patient centric institution for the past 3 years. She is a passionate, empathetic, and versatile leader in radiology, with over 20 years of strong clinical and research experience bringing value and teamwork at every level of the institution.Since her passion was in research, after completing her Nuclear Medicine Technology Degree, Chitra was given an opportunity to lead the newly innovative Research Department at Columbia University in the year 2000.
While performing research she became interested in public health and graduated from Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University with a master’s degree in 2006. Chitra’s area of expertise includes radiology operations which includes strategic planning, process improvement, budget and finance, quality improvement, regulatory affairs compliance, inspections by Joint Commission, American College of Radiology and Department of Health.
After working for more than a decade in the research field, Chitra wanted to shift in clinical space and utilize her radiology research experience to lead clinical radiology operations. Being a resident of Westchester for more than a decade, she always wanted to come back home and serve her heartfelt closely connected community.
Chitra has fond memories of taking her kids, family members, and at times, friends to Dobbs Ferry and St. John’s Riverside Hospital for care and is grateful to be a part of the same institution.
Chitra is most enthusiastic about public speaking and has given lectures on the topic of radiology leadership and has publications on her research. She is a Board Member of SNMMI for the national society.
Transcription:
Joey Wahler: There are various kinds of imaging for assessing your health. So, we're discussing the importance of radiology diagnostic testing.
This is Riverside Radio HealthCast, a podcast from St. John's Riverside Hospital. Thanks for listening. I'm Joey Wahler, our guest, Chitra Saxena. She's Director of Imaging Services for St. John's Riverside Hospital. Chitra, thanks for joining us.
Chitra Saxena: Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to talk about my passion, which is radiology.
Joey Wahler: And we're glad to have someone that is as passionate as you are, Chitra. So first in a nutshell, what are radiology services and what role does that play in patient care nowadays?
Chitra Saxena: In radiology services, we radiate positivity, compassion and kindness to all. Radiology is a captivating branch of medicine that uses imaging technology and plays a massive role in disease management. We say patients pose and we expose to capture detailed images. Excellent image quality and innovation is our foundation. Our outstanding radiology department is certified by American College of Radiology and other governing bodies.
Joey Wahler: You said patients pose and you expose. I like that. We're getting poetic here, huh?
Chitra Saxena: Yes, it's truly a captivating service. Absolutely.
Joey Wahler: So, radiology can be either diagnostic or interventional. We're focusing today more on the former. So, what's the difference between the two?
Chitra Saxena: Sure. So, diagnostic radiology is a field of medicine that uses non-invasive imaging scans, which create highly detailed images to locate and identify certain conditions and diseases.
Joey Wahler: And so, what are some of the most common types of diagnostic radiology exams?
Chitra Saxena: So, common types, there are multiple modalities in radiology. I will briefly touch upon each, which we offer in our institution.
Plain x-rays, an x-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside the body. X-ray technology is used to examine many parts of bodies, for example, fractures, arthritis, lung infections, digestive tract problems, and much more.
The other modality in radiology is computed tomography, and it's also known as computed axial tomography, which is CAT scan. CAT scan combines a series of x-ray images, which are taken from different angles around the body, and then computer processing is done to create cross-sectional images. It allows our physicians to see many detailed conditions and diseases that standard x-rays can't really always detect.
Fluoroscopy is a medical procedure that makes a real-time video. The movements inside a body by capturing x-ray images over a period of time.
Magnetic resonance imaging, which is also called MRI. MRI is a way of obtaining detailed images of organs and tissues throughout the body, and it doesn't really need any x-rays or radiation. Instead, MRI uses powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create images, which shows differences between healthy and unhealthy or abnormal tissues.
We always talk about MRI safety and why is MRI safety topic so important. The powerful magnetic field of the MRI system can attract objects made from certain metals. They are known to be ferromagnetic, such as iron, and it causes them to move suddenly with a great force. This can pose a problem and a risk to people entering our MRI suite. As a patient, it is vital. And for all our patients and staff and employees, it's vital to remove all metallic belongings in advance of an MRI examination.
Mammography. Mammography is a specialized medical imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to see inside the breasts. A mammography exam called a mammogram aids in the early detection and diagnoses of breast diseases in women.
Bone density is also called DEXA scan, which is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that measures bone loss.
Nuclear medicine imaging, it has an ability to identify disease in its earliest stages. Nuclear medicine technology is extremely valuable. The procedure uses small amount of radioactive materials, which are injected or inhaled or swallowed by the patient. The radiotracer travels through the area being examined and reflects gamma rays energy, which is detected by a special camera and a computer to create images.
Ultrasound. An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside the body. It's also known as sonography. Unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound uses no radiation. Hence, it's a preferred method for viewing a developing fetus during pregnancy. In addition, ultrasound exams are also ordered for pain, swelling or other symptoms that require an internal view of the organs
Joey Wahler: So, I know that St. John's Riverside Hospital has a Women's Imaging Center. What services are offered there?
Chitra Saxena: Women's Imaging Center, it's very close to my heart. It means humble, comprehensive, synergetic, compassionate, and supporting imaging center, which is dedicated to the unique healthcare imaging needs of women. The Women's Imaging Center is a foundation of breast health, OB/BYN health, osteoporosis screening. Breast health is important for overall well-being. Through advanced breast screening and procedures in our institution, we have powerful tools for detecting breast diseases.
Joey Wahler: I know you provide, for instance, a 3D mammography. What does that involve? And are there any risks there?
Chitra Saxena: A 3D mammography uses low dose x-rays to create multiple slices, which is multiple imaging of the breast from several angles. It's like as if radiologists are scrolling through the images, like flipping through the pages of the book in order to read mammography scans. It is an extremely important tool in detecting breast disease. During the mammography exam, the breast is compressed between two flat panels so that the machine can take detailed pictures of its internal structures.
Our gentle, skilled, compassionate, and caring staff members, they ensure to get the best possible images, and they always, always keep our patients very comfortable during the exams.
Talking about the risks, mammography uses x-rays to image the breast. But the radiation dose is very low, very low. The benefits of mammography in detecting breast cancer at an early stage truly outweighs the risks of radiation exposure.
Joey Wahler: And then finally, we can hear the great passion in your voice and how strongly you feel about this area of medicine. What was it in your background that pointed you in this direction and let you know that this was where you wanted your efforts to lie?
Chitra Saxena: It's a great question. I come from physician parents, so I grew up watching my parents taking care of patients. And that's why my passion was always in healthcare. And truly, we provide compassionate, warm, welcoming, skilled care to all our patients. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. We value all our team members and their contributions to build a welcoming, diverse, and equitable work environment that supports wellness for all, not just for our patients, for our staff, for patient's family member, we are there for them. We work as a team to implement and circulate the institution's mission, vision, and goals by cultivating a culture of safety that values high quality and efficient patient care to change lives.
Joey Wahler: Well, it must be very rewarding work and the way you describe the facility, it certainly sounds like a great place for anyone to be treated or to be diagnosed. Folks, we trust you're now more familiar with the importance of diagnostic radiology. Chitra Saxena, such a pleasure and thanks so much again.
Chitra Saxena: Thank you again for having me.
Joey Wahler: And for more information, please call St. John's Riverside Hospital's Physician Referral Service at 914-964-4DOC. Again, that's 914-964 4, the number four, D-O-C, or you can email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Again, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Now, if you found this podcast helpful, please do share it on your social media. And thanks again for listening to Riverside Radio HealthCast, a podcast from St. John's Riverside Hospital. Hoping your health is good health, I'm Joey Wahler.
Joey Wahler: There are various kinds of imaging for assessing your health. So, we're discussing the importance of radiology diagnostic testing.
This is Riverside Radio HealthCast, a podcast from St. John's Riverside Hospital. Thanks for listening. I'm Joey Wahler, our guest, Chitra Saxena. She's Director of Imaging Services for St. John's Riverside Hospital. Chitra, thanks for joining us.
Chitra Saxena: Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to talk about my passion, which is radiology.
Joey Wahler: And we're glad to have someone that is as passionate as you are, Chitra. So first in a nutshell, what are radiology services and what role does that play in patient care nowadays?
Chitra Saxena: In radiology services, we radiate positivity, compassion and kindness to all. Radiology is a captivating branch of medicine that uses imaging technology and plays a massive role in disease management. We say patients pose and we expose to capture detailed images. Excellent image quality and innovation is our foundation. Our outstanding radiology department is certified by American College of Radiology and other governing bodies.
Joey Wahler: You said patients pose and you expose. I like that. We're getting poetic here, huh?
Chitra Saxena: Yes, it's truly a captivating service. Absolutely.
Joey Wahler: So, radiology can be either diagnostic or interventional. We're focusing today more on the former. So, what's the difference between the two?
Chitra Saxena: Sure. So, diagnostic radiology is a field of medicine that uses non-invasive imaging scans, which create highly detailed images to locate and identify certain conditions and diseases.
Joey Wahler: And so, what are some of the most common types of diagnostic radiology exams?
Chitra Saxena: So, common types, there are multiple modalities in radiology. I will briefly touch upon each, which we offer in our institution.
Plain x-rays, an x-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside the body. X-ray technology is used to examine many parts of bodies, for example, fractures, arthritis, lung infections, digestive tract problems, and much more.
The other modality in radiology is computed tomography, and it's also known as computed axial tomography, which is CAT scan. CAT scan combines a series of x-ray images, which are taken from different angles around the body, and then computer processing is done to create cross-sectional images. It allows our physicians to see many detailed conditions and diseases that standard x-rays can't really always detect.
Fluoroscopy is a medical procedure that makes a real-time video. The movements inside a body by capturing x-ray images over a period of time.
Magnetic resonance imaging, which is also called MRI. MRI is a way of obtaining detailed images of organs and tissues throughout the body, and it doesn't really need any x-rays or radiation. Instead, MRI uses powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create images, which shows differences between healthy and unhealthy or abnormal tissues.
We always talk about MRI safety and why is MRI safety topic so important. The powerful magnetic field of the MRI system can attract objects made from certain metals. They are known to be ferromagnetic, such as iron, and it causes them to move suddenly with a great force. This can pose a problem and a risk to people entering our MRI suite. As a patient, it is vital. And for all our patients and staff and employees, it's vital to remove all metallic belongings in advance of an MRI examination.
Mammography. Mammography is a specialized medical imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to see inside the breasts. A mammography exam called a mammogram aids in the early detection and diagnoses of breast diseases in women.
Bone density is also called DEXA scan, which is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that measures bone loss.
Nuclear medicine imaging, it has an ability to identify disease in its earliest stages. Nuclear medicine technology is extremely valuable. The procedure uses small amount of radioactive materials, which are injected or inhaled or swallowed by the patient. The radiotracer travels through the area being examined and reflects gamma rays energy, which is detected by a special camera and a computer to create images.
Ultrasound. An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside the body. It's also known as sonography. Unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound uses no radiation. Hence, it's a preferred method for viewing a developing fetus during pregnancy. In addition, ultrasound exams are also ordered for pain, swelling or other symptoms that require an internal view of the organs
Joey Wahler: So, I know that St. John's Riverside Hospital has a Women's Imaging Center. What services are offered there?
Chitra Saxena: Women's Imaging Center, it's very close to my heart. It means humble, comprehensive, synergetic, compassionate, and supporting imaging center, which is dedicated to the unique healthcare imaging needs of women. The Women's Imaging Center is a foundation of breast health, OB/BYN health, osteoporosis screening. Breast health is important for overall well-being. Through advanced breast screening and procedures in our institution, we have powerful tools for detecting breast diseases.
Joey Wahler: I know you provide, for instance, a 3D mammography. What does that involve? And are there any risks there?
Chitra Saxena: A 3D mammography uses low dose x-rays to create multiple slices, which is multiple imaging of the breast from several angles. It's like as if radiologists are scrolling through the images, like flipping through the pages of the book in order to read mammography scans. It is an extremely important tool in detecting breast disease. During the mammography exam, the breast is compressed between two flat panels so that the machine can take detailed pictures of its internal structures.
Our gentle, skilled, compassionate, and caring staff members, they ensure to get the best possible images, and they always, always keep our patients very comfortable during the exams.
Talking about the risks, mammography uses x-rays to image the breast. But the radiation dose is very low, very low. The benefits of mammography in detecting breast cancer at an early stage truly outweighs the risks of radiation exposure.
Joey Wahler: And then finally, we can hear the great passion in your voice and how strongly you feel about this area of medicine. What was it in your background that pointed you in this direction and let you know that this was where you wanted your efforts to lie?
Chitra Saxena: It's a great question. I come from physician parents, so I grew up watching my parents taking care of patients. And that's why my passion was always in healthcare. And truly, we provide compassionate, warm, welcoming, skilled care to all our patients. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. We value all our team members and their contributions to build a welcoming, diverse, and equitable work environment that supports wellness for all, not just for our patients, for our staff, for patient's family member, we are there for them. We work as a team to implement and circulate the institution's mission, vision, and goals by cultivating a culture of safety that values high quality and efficient patient care to change lives.
Joey Wahler: Well, it must be very rewarding work and the way you describe the facility, it certainly sounds like a great place for anyone to be treated or to be diagnosed. Folks, we trust you're now more familiar with the importance of diagnostic radiology. Chitra Saxena, such a pleasure and thanks so much again.
Chitra Saxena: Thank you again for having me.
Joey Wahler: And for more information, please call St. John's Riverside Hospital's Physician Referral Service at 914-964-4DOC. Again, that's 914-964 4, the number four, D-O-C, or you can email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Again, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Now, if you found this podcast helpful, please do share it on your social media. And thanks again for listening to Riverside Radio HealthCast, a podcast from St. John's Riverside Hospital. Hoping your health is good health, I'm Joey Wahler.