Jean Weigert

What motivated you to become a health care service professional?

I have been interested in the field of medicine since childhood, probably because of the long line of physicians and scientists in my family, including a Nobel Prize winner (Paul Ehrlich, 1908). My parents were very supportive as well. While in medical school (SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse NY), I met a very forward thinking woman radiologist who was involved in the then newly developing field of ultrasound. She became my mentor. The field of diagnostic radiology was really making great strides in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s with the advent of real-time ultrasound, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. It was a truly exciting time to be learning about and working in this field of medicine.

What level of training and education are essential today for a professional to provide the kinds of service you deliver?

The path to becoming a physician, and in particular a radiologist includes a four-year undergraduate degree, a four-year medical degree and then a four-year residency that includes a one-year internship, followed, in my case, by a one-year fellowship in abdominal imaging. Ongoing continuing education is always necessary as the specialty evolves.

In what areas of health services do you perceive the greatest need and why?

Certainly making sure there is adequate access to services and technology is important. We are a country with so many tools for diagnosis and treatment, but making them available to all in need is a challenge. I also think basic research and development are important. We must continue to develop new and better ways to diagnose and treat disease processes. Preventative care has become a huge controversy, especially in the field of breast and prostate cancer. Research into use and development of screening modalities that actually provide statistical improvement in affliction rates and mortality is difficult. Sometimes we must take several steps backward to make one or two forward.

What are the greatest challenges you face in your role as a health care service professional?

The challenges as a healthcare provider in 2010 are many. These include staying on top of new developments and research and maintaining high-quality services for my patients while acknowledging cost pressures. The best equipment is expensive and we need to make sure we use such technology in an efficient manner.

How will the kinds of health care reforms being considered, if enacted, affect the way you and/or your organization deliver services?

It’s exciting to realize that we are at a crossroads in health care. Patients expect the best in our society. However, we must realize that every patient’s needs are different and we need the flexibility to use the right test and technology to meet each patient’s needs. I have been fortunate to have been able to bring cutting edge technology to my practice in the field of breast imaging and bone densitometry. I hope the reforms to our health care system will continue to allow us to care for our patients without sacrificing these exciting and worthwhile developments.

STATS:

Position: Radiologist

Hospital of Central Connecticut

Quote: It’s exciting to realize that we are at a crossroads in health care.