Clinical Component

Navigating the Clinical Component

The Cardiothoracic Radiologist will work with a diverse patient population, predominantly individuals with complex pulmonary and cardiac conditions. Patients at NJH are referred from across the country due to the institution’s expertise in managing chronic lung diseases and cardiac disorders. The clinical work involves interpreting advanced imaging studies such as chest CTs, cardiac MRIs, PET/CT scans, and thoracic radiographs. The focus of this position is on high-resolution chest imaging, with an emphasis on diagnosing lung diseases, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), lung cancer, and cystic fibrosis.

A typical day includes reviewing detailed imaging studies, many of which are non-contrast due to NJH’s specialization in lung disease. The department utilizes cutting-edge equipment, including the Siemens Naetom Alpha Photon Counting CT, Siemens AS+ CT scanner, and Siemens Sola 1.5T MRI, ensuring that the latest technology is available for precise diagnostics. Nuclear medicine studies are also part of the workflow, primarily involving lung cancer diagnostics. Radiologists work closely with a team of radiology physician assistants (RPAs), who perform many of the fluoroscopy and nuclear medicine studies and provide pre-dictation, allowing the radiologists to focus on higher-level diagnostic work.

One of the most appealing aspects of this position is the absence of on-call duties. There are no night or weekend shifts, providing a significant advantage for professionals who want to avoid the demanding call schedules that are common in many radiology roles. In addition, the work is supported by state-of-the-art imaging technology, including PowerScribe dictation software, which streamlines the reporting process and improves overall efficiency.

NJH offers extensive opportunities for specialization within cardiac and thoracic imaging. The hospital is a national leader in lung cancer screening, and radiologists are encouraged to participate in the Lung Nodule Registry Program and Radiation Dose Reduction initiatives. Furthermore, the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Imaging at NJH provides access to cutting-edge imaging technologies, enhancing the department’s capacity to contribute to both clinical care and academic research. Teaching responsibilities are also an integral part of the role, with the radiologist expected to mentor cardiothoracic fellows and engage with international fellows who come to NJH for advanced training.