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Specialists in Diagnostic, Interventional, and Nuclear Radiology

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What to Expect

We understand that it can be stressful to have a radiology procedure, particularly the first time. To help you know what to expect, here’s a list of our procedures and their descriptions. Just click on a procedure name to find out more. You can click it again to show less.

Bone Densitometry (DXA)
Image of DXA unit

DXA Unit

Measurement of bone mass by densitometry has become central to the diagnosis of osteoporosis and instituting preventative treatment. Currently it is estimated that less than 5% of patients at risk for osteoporotic fractures of the spine and hip are diagnosed and treated. With increased availability of accurate bone density testing, diagnosis of osteoporosis early will allow for earlier treatment, resulting in reduced fracture risk. There are different testing techniques to predict future fracture risk. However, only central measurements of the hip and spine can confirm the diagnosis of osteoporosis, determine the severity of the osteoporosis, decide when therapy should be initiated, and monitor response to therapy.

Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptometry (DXA) units send a small column of x-ray to a detector. The units are state-of-the-art, providing the highest levels of accuracy in bone mineral determination. The test results are stored in the computer to allow direct comparison to future studies.

Indications to Refer Patients for Bone Densitometry Testing Include:

  • Diagnose osteoporosis-even in its earliest stages
  • Estimate risk of future fractures
  • Monitor efficacy of drug therapy on bone density
  • Evaluate children for suspected low bone mass

What to Expect:
A comprehensive questionnaire will be given prior to the exam to identify your risk factors. We try to identify all risk factors, since the presence of multiple risk factors may require that you be treated earlier or tested more frequently. We calculate a FRAX score for postmenopausal women or older men who are in the osteopenic range to determine if they are also candidates for treatment.

DXA scanning is a simple, painless test, performed while lying down on the padded table of the unit. Measurements are made in the lumbar spine, hip and occasionally the forearm. In pediatric patients, measurements are only made in the lumbar spine. There is no injection. The length of the exam is 10-15 minutes.

Preparation:

  • No calcium supplements, day of exam.
  • Please bring a list of all medications to your appointment.
  • Wear clothing without metallic fasteners or decorations, if you do not wish to change into a hospital gown.

You should not have a barium study, radioisotope injection, or oral or IV contrast material from a CT scan within 7 days prior to the DXA scan. You cannot have this exam if you are pregnant, but it is safe if you are nursing.

Resources for Patients:

The Radiology Information Resource for Patients

The International Society for Clinical Densitometry

National Osteoporosis Foundation

Locations for Bone Densitometry:

  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Innsbrook
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Reynolds
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
  • Laburnum Diagnostic Imaging Center
Breast MRI
Woman lying face down on breast exam table

Breast Exam Table for MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast – or breast MRI – is a non-invasive test that assists in diagnosing problems in the breast by using a strong magnetic field. MRI uses a combination of magnets and radiowaves to test the breast. The scanner then receives the natural radio frequencies emitted by tissues in the breast to create images interpreted by a radiologist.

Mammograms use x-rays to generate images of the breast tissue to search for cancer. Breast MRI is a different imaging technique that captures multiple cross-sectional pictures of your breast without any ionizing radiation exposure. Breast MRI looks at the blood supply to the breast. Breast MRI does not replace a mammogram, but is an additional screening tool used for women at high-risk of developing breast cancer.

Women with a greater than 20% lifetime risk for developing breast cancer should consider being screened using breast MRI, along with their annual mammogram. Women are considered high-risk if they have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, received chest radiation for Hodgkin’s disease, or have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer. Breast MRI may also be recommended for women who have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Breast MRI poses minimal risk to most patients. However, since the MRI scanner uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create images, there may be a danger in screening patients who have implanted mechanical devices such as pacemakers that use electricity to operate. Before the scan, the patient will be asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire to determine if any risks are involved. There will be additional questions about prior history of breast cancer, prior high-risk benign biopsy, or dense breast tissue. Your doctor can help you determine your personal risk level and if breast MRI is appropriate for you.”

What to Expect:
During the MRI scan, you will lie face down on your stomach. There is no compression of the breasts during the exam. There is no special preparation. Contrast is used in this exam to help highlight any breast abnormalities. The contrast is injected intravenously during the exam and is hypoallergenic. The clear contrast passes out of the body in about a day. The duration of the exam is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The actual scan time will be about 30 minutes. Although MRI exams are covered by insurance, please contact your insurance company for your personal coverage guidelines.

Click for More Information

Locations for Breast MRI:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Bon Secours Imaging Center at Reynolds Crossing
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
Computed Tomography (CT)
man going into CT unit with technician nearby

CT Unit

Computerized Tomography (CT) scans are special x-ray tests that produce cross-sectional images of the body using x-rays and a computer. These images allow the radiologist to look at the inside of the body just as one would look at the inside of a loaf of bread by slicing it. In most exams, two-dimensional or three-dimensional reconstructions are created for a comprehensive evaluation of the area. CT scans are frequently used to evaluate the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and sinuses. Sometimes, physicians will order special thin section CT scans to upload onto the interactive computers in the operating room during complex neurosurgery or ENT procedures or as a map to plan radiation therapy.

Head or brain CT evaluates the various structures of the brain to look for a mass, stroke, bleed or blood vessel abnormality. It is also sometimes used to evaluate the skull.

Neck CT evaluates the soft tissues of the neck and is frequently used to study a lump or mass in the neck or to look for enlarged lymph nodes or glands.

CT of the chest is frequently used to further evaluate an abnormality on a plain chest xray. It is also often used to evaluate the lungs or look for pulmonary embolism (blood clot) in the lungs or enlarged lymph nodes.

Abdominal and pelvic CT evaluates the abdominal and pelvic organs and the gastrointestinal tract. These studies are often ordered to evaluate for a cause of pain and sometimes to follow-up on an abnormality seen on another test such as an ultrasound.

Extremity CT exams are usually reconstructed into two-dimensional or three-dimensional images to allow the radiologist and orthopedist to fully understand the extent of a fracture or bone lesion and plan surgery.

Sinus CT exam is used to both diagnose sinus disease and to look for a narrowing or obstruction in the sinus drainage pathway.

Maxillofacial CT exam is used to understand complex fractures of the face.

Spine CT test is most commonly used to look for a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) in patients with neck, arm back and/or leg pain.

What to Expect:
The CT scanner looks like a large donut with a narrow table. The patient lies on the table, which then slides into the center of the machine. The technologist is in the next room and can observe the patient through a large window. The x-ray tube moves rapidly around the area of anatomic interest. The sensor then sends the information to the computer. The computer reconstructs this data with special algorithms that are most sensitive to “see” findings in the bone, lung, brain, and soft tissues. Some scans (abdomen and pelvis) require the patient to drink a dilute barium liquid prior to the scan. Also, for certain exams contrast or dye must be injected into a vein during the scan. The entire procedure takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on what part of the body is being scanned. After the scan is finished, a board certified radiologist will interpret the study and send a report to the referring physician.

Preparation:
If you have ever had a prior allergic reaction to a contrast agent, we will need to know the type of contrast and the details of the reaction. We also need to know if you have a history of multiple allergies or asthma. Please let us know this information before your visit so that we can avoid the need to reschedule your appointment. We will be able to tell you if you will need premedication prior to your exam. If you are over age 65 or have diabetes, high blood pressure or any history of kidney or severe liver disease or transplant we will need the results of blood tests for kidney function before we give intravenous contrast. If you are a diabetic on metformin, you will be asked to stop taking your medication for 48 hours after your exam. A special instruction sheet will be given to you at the time of the exam.

Abdomen/Pelvis (renal stone protocol)

  • No preparation necessary

Abdomen/ Pelvis

  • Pick up one bottle of CT barium Scan C the day before your exam or arrive 2 hours prior to your exam
  • Do not eat or drink anything except water for 4 hours before your exam.
  • Two hours before your exam drink the whole bottle of barium (Scan C).

Instructions for oral barium:

  • Scan C is pre-mixed and ready to use.
  • It may taste better when refrigerated.
  • Please SHAKE WELL before using.
  • DO NOT mix with any other substance.
  • DO NOT pour over ice.
  • DO NOT have any liquid or solid food for FOUR HOURS prior to your scheduled appointment time.
  • NOTE: During this preparation time, be sure to take all medications as prescribed by your physician.

Head/Neck/Chest/Extremities

  • DO NOT eat or drink anything except water for 4 hours before your exam.

Sinus CT

  • No preparation necessary

Resources for Patients:

Computed Tomography

Image Wisely Information

Locations for CT Exam:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • Richmond Community Hospital
  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Innsbrook
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Short Pump
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
Diagnostic Mammogram and Breast Ultrasound
Picture of mammography unit

Mammography Unit

A diagnostic mammogram is performed on women who have a breast problem or symptom, such as a lump, nipple discharge or breast pain or as a follow up to an abnormal screening mammogram.

Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. From the patient’s point of view, digital mammography is essentially the same as the screen-film system.

Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems are used, when possible, as essentially a “second read” of our digitally acquired mammogram. The computer software then searches for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to the need for further analysis.

3D mammography (also called Tomosynthesis) can be requested at some of our facilities. The camera moves in an arc over the breast, and then the computer reconstructs the images into a cine loop. The 3D image set helps distinguish masses within dense tissue and minimizes the tissue overlap that can hide cancers.

woman pushing ultrasound unit

Ultrasound Unit

Breast ultrasound is performed to evaluate a palpable lump or an abnormality visualized on a mammogram. The distinction can be made between cystic (fluid-filled) and solid abnormalities. This information aides the radiologist and the patient’s clinician in determining the appropriate course of treatment for the patient. The exam is performed by a registered sonographer and interpreted by a Board Certified radiologist that both specialize in breast imaging.

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves instead of radiation to image the breast tissue. The exam is performed by placing a small amount of warm gel on the breast, then scanning the area of concern with an ultrasound transducer.

What to Expect:
The radiographs taken vary and are dedicated to the particular finding or problem. The mammogram is performed on a dedicated x-ray machine that is designed to provide the best possible pictures with the least amount of radiation. To achieve this, the breast(s) is/are compressed briefly during the exam. The length of the exam varies. Depending on the findings of the diagnostic mammogram, a breast ultrasound may follow. The diagnostic mammogram is performed by a technologist who has advanced training and certification in breast imaging. After the x-rays are obtained, they are reviewed and interpreted by a board certified radiologist, who specializes in breast imaging. All facilities are accredited in mammography by The American College of Radiology and are inspected yearly by the FDA.

All diagnostic mammograms are performed with a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging on the premises. The radiologist will be available to answer any questions you may have.

It is important for the radiologist to compare your current films with any prior films you may have had. If your previous mammogram was not performed at the facility where you have your exam, please bring the films with you to your appointment or tell the scheduler where they were taken, so that we can obtain them in time for your appointment.

Preparation:
Do not wear any powder or deodorant under the arms or around the breast area.

Resources for Patients:

Mammography

Breast Tomosynthesis

Locations for Diagnostic Mammography:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
Mammogram (Screening)
image of mammogram unit

Mammography Unit

A screening mammogram is performed on women with no symptoms to detect abnormalities of the breasts. Mammography uses a low dose radiographic system with a high contrast, high resolution detector or film. Mammography has been shown to detect 85-90% of breast cancer in women over the age of 50. Current guidelines recommend baseline mammography, then annual mammography, beginning at age 40. A patient who has had a first degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer should start annual screening 10 years prior to the age of their relative’s diagnosis.

Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. From the patient’s point of view, digital mammography is essentially the same as the screen-film system.

Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems are used, when possible, as essentially a “second read” of our digitally acquired mammogram. The computer software then searches for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to the need for further analysis.

3D mammography (also called Tomosynthesis) can be requested at some of our facilities. The camera moves in an arc over the breast, and then the computer reconstructs the images into a cine loop. The 3D image set helps distinguish masses within dense tissue and minimizes the tissue overlap that can hide cancers.

What to Expect:
Four x-ray pictures, two of each breast are taken on a dedicated x-ray machine. To obtain the best possible images with the least radiation the breasts are compressed briefly. At all facilities, we use a disposable cushion (Mammopad) between the breast and the machine to make the procedure more comfortable. The exam takes approximately one half hour. The mammogram is performed by a female technologist who has advanced training and certification in breast imaging. No radiologist is present during the study for a screening exam; the test is commonly reviewed and interpreted the following day by a board certified radiologist, who specializes in breast imaging. All facilities are accredited in mammography by The American College of Radiology and are inspected yearly by the FDA.

It is not uncommon for a radiologist to ask the technologist to perform special or additional x-ray pictures or a breast ultrasound to see an area better. Additional images are not always the sign of a serious problem. The interpretation of the films will be sent to your doctor and you will receive a letter with the results of your mammogram. At the time of service, you can ask that a normal result be sent to you by email; any result that requires a short term follow-up, 6 month follow-up or biopsy will be sent to you by US mail.

It is important for the radiologist to compare your current mammogram with your prior mammogram. If your prior films were not obtained at the facility where you have your exam, please bring them with you to your appointment or tell the scheduler where they were taken, so that we may obtain them in time for your appointment.

Preparation:

  • Do not wear any powder or deodorant under the arms or around the breast area.

Resources for Patient:

Mammography

Breast Tomosynthesis

Locations for Screening Mammography:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • Richmond Community Hospital
  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Innsbrook
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Reynolds Crossing
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Short Pump
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
  • Laburnum Diagnostic Imaging Center
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
man entering MRI unit with technician nearby

MRI Unit

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radiowaves to image the body. MRI is commonly used to examine the brain, spine, joints, abdomen and pelvis. A special kind of MRI exam, called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), examines the blood vessels.

Brain MRI
An MRI of the brain produces detailed pictures of the brain. It is commonly used to study patients with headaches, seizures, weakness, blurry vision, etc. It also can further evaluate an abnormality seen on a CT scan. During the brain MRI, a special device called a head coil is placed around the patient’s head. It does not touch the patient, and the patient can see through large gaps in the coil. This device is what helps to produce the detailed pictures of the brain.

Spine MRI
This test is most commonly used to look for a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) in patients with neck, arm back and/or leg pain. It is also the best test to look for a recurrent disc herniation in a patient who has had prior back surgery.

Bone and Joint MRI
MRI can evaluate virtually all of the bones and joints, as well as the soft tissues. Tendon, ligament, muscle, cartilage and bone injuries can be diagnosed by MRI. It can also be used to look for infections and masses.

Abdomen MRI
MRI of the abdomen is most frequently used to further evaluate an abnormality seen on another test, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Thus, the exam is usually tailored to look carefully at the liver, bile ducts, kidney, adrenal glands or pancreas.

Pelvic MRI
For women, pelvic MRI is used to evaluate the ovaries and uterus or to further evaluate an abnormality seen on ultrasound. It is also used to stage endometrial cancer. It can be useful to plan for fibroid embolization. For men, pelvic MRI is sometimes used to evaluate patients with prostate cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
An MRA evaluates blood vessels. The blood vessels in the neck (carotid and vertebral arteries) and brain are frequently studied by MRA to look for areas of narrowing or dilatation. In the abdomen, the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys or bowel are also frequently examined with this technique.

What to Expect:
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms, prior studies and prior surgeries.

Because you will be entering a room with a strong magnet, we need to know of any metal or implants on or in your body. For example, pacemakers, metal implants, aneurysm clips, surgical staples, bullet wound or shrapnel, implanted drug infusion devise, bone stimulators, or permanent eyeliner. If you were issued a card with the exact manufacturer and serial number of the device, please bring that card with you to your appointment. If you have had occupational or recreational exposure to metal (welding, grinding, etc), you will need to have an radiograph to make sure that you don’t have any metal fragments in the eyes, because they can sometimes migrate in a strong magnet, even years after the exposure.

You will be asked to lie flat on the table, and then a “coil” will be placed over the area of interest. The coil typically looks like an athletic ice wrap and can be rigid or somewhat flexible. The table moves slowly into the scanner that houses a large magnet. During the procedure, you will be able to communicate with the technologist by an intercom. The technologist can also watch you through a small camera. The technologist will be in constant dialog with you and notify you when to expect a loud or unusual sound.

Typical MRI studies require 30 to 60 minutes. It is important to remain motionless throughout the exam.

Some MRI exams require an injection of an MRI contrast or dye. This is completely different from the contrast agent or dye used for x-ray tests such as an IVP or CT scan. If you are over age 65 or have diabetes, high blood pressure or any history of kidney or severe liver disease or transplant we will need the results of blood tests for kidney function before we give intravenous contrast.

Preparation:
If you can, please leave loose jewelry and watches at home. Otherwise, you will be required to place them in a locker with your cell phone, pager, blackberry, glasses, and anything else that contains metal.

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Nothing to eat or drink four hours prior to exam.

All other MRI exams
There is no special preparation.

Resource for Patients:

MRI

Locations for MRI:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • Richmond Community Hospital
  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Reynolds Crossing
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Short Pump
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
  • Bon Secours West End MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Open
Image of open MRI unit

Open MRI Unit

Most exams can be performed on the Open MRI such as brain, spine, pelvis and extremity studies. Although the resolution of some studies is not as good as high field MRI, this technology has become an alternative for claustrophobic patients who can not tolerate the high field magnet design. Imaging takes longer with this technology, usually one hour per exam.

Specialized neuroimaging studies, such as pituitary, optic nerve and internal auditory canal are best performed on a high field unit.

The MRI scan is performed inside a large cylindrical magnet with a patient table in the center. Conscious sedation is available at all locations for the highly claustrophobic patient. However, a doctor’s order is necessary and the appointment must be scheduled with conscious sedation so that the patient can be given special instructions prior to arrival at the MRI facility.

What to Expect:
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms, prior studies and prior surgeries.

Because you will be entering a room with a strong magnet, we need to know of any metal or implants on or in your body. For example, pacemakers, metal implants, aneurysm clips, surgical staples, bullet wound or shrapnel, implanted drug infusion devise, bone stimulators, or permanent eyeliner. If you were issued a card with the exact manufacturer and serial number of the device, please bring that card with you to your appointment. If you have had occupational or recreational exposure to metal (welding, grinding, etc), you will need to have an radiograph to make sure that you don’t have any metal fragments in the eyes, because they can sometimes migrate in a strong magnet, even years after the exposure.

You will be asked to lie flat on the table, and then a “coil” will be placed over the area of interest. The coil typically looks like an athletic ice wrap and can be rigid or somewhat flexible. The table moves slowly into the scanner that houses a large magnet. During the procedure, you will be able to communicate with the technologist by an intercom. The technologist can also watch you through a small camera. The technologist will be in constant dialog with you and notify you when to expect a loud or unusual sound.

Typical open MRI studies require 60 minutes. It is important to remain motionless throughout the exam.

Some MRI exams require an injection of an MRI contrast or dye. This is completely different from the contrast agent or dye used for x-ray tests such as an IVP or CT scan. If you are over age 65 or have diabetes, high blood pressure or any history of kidney or severe liver disease or transplant we will need the results of blood tests for kidney function before we give intravenous contrast

Preparation:
If you can, please leave loose jewelry and watches at home. Otherwise, you will be required to place them in a locker with your cell phone, pager, blackberry, glasses, and anything else that contains metal.

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Nothing to eat or drink four hours prior to exam.

All other MR exams
There is no special preparation.

Resource for Patients:

MRI

Locations for Open MRI:

  • Bon Secours Midlothian Imaging Center
Nuclear Medicine
person undergoing nuclear medicine with physician nearby

Nuclear Medicine Unit

Nuclear medicine studies provide information about the function of specific organs. Red blood cells or small proteins are tagged with a special tracer, and the machine records how the tracer is carried through or metabolized by the body. Usually, studies are performed to diagnose a disease or determine if the organ is functioning properly. In some cases, radiation is used to treat a condition, such as an overactive thyroid or thyroid cancer.

What is Radiation?
Radiation is a type of energy which comes from both natural and man-made sources. Examples of natural radiation include light and heat. Man-made radiation is used daily in microwave ovens as well as radio waves. Everyone is exposed to natural background ionizing which comes from outer space, the sun, the earth, the air, our food and drink, and from building materials such as concrete, bricks and mortar.

Is Nuclear Medicine Safe?
Nuclear medicine is safe because the radioactive tracers, or radiopharmaceuticals, used are quickly eliminated from the body in the urine or stool. The dose of radiation is very small and the tracers lose their activity very quickly. The amount of radiation exposure is typically less than a bicoastal airplane trip. Airline personnel can get as much radiation exposure as our patients get in all of their diagnostic tests combined.

Indications
Nuclear medicine scans can study any organ in the body, including the bloodstream. The most common tests are scans of the bones, heart, lungs, kidneys, gallbladder, and thyroid.

The purpose of these exams is to analyze kidney function, visualize heart blood flow and function, scan lungs for pulmonary embolism (blood clot), evaluate the gallbladder for inflammation (cholecystitis) or poor function, evaluate bones for fractures, infection, arthritis and tumors, determine the presence or spread of cancer in various parts of the body, identify location of bleeding in the bowel confirm and identify the location of infection, measure thyroid function in patients with symptoms of overactive or under active thyroid, and localize abnormal lymph nodes before surgery in patients with breast cancer or melanoma.

What to Expect
Depending on the scan ordered, the radiopharmaceutical may be given through an injection into the vein, swallowed, or inhaled through a nebulizer. The radiopharmaceutical will eventually concentrate in the organ of interest. A special camera called a gamma detector will be positioned close to the part of the body that is being scanned. The information is sent to a computer which processes and analyzes the amount and distribution of radiopharmaceutical in your body. The computer can display reconstructions or measurements. Depending on the test, the scan may be performed immediately or after a few days. Some scans may require multiple visits.

The radiopharmaceutical will naturally lose its radioactivity over time. It may pass out of your body through your urine or stool during the first few hours or days following the test. You may be instructed to take special precautions after urinating, to flush the toilet twice and to wash your hands thoroughly. You should also drink plenty of water.

Preparation
You may be asked to switch into a gown for the procedure. You should inform the technologist of all medications that you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. They will ask you about recent surgeries, medical conditions, and history of cancer. You should tell the technologist if you have any allergies. Also, let them know if you have diabetes or have had a blood test that detected abnormal kidney function at any time in your past.

You should always inform the technologist about any possibility that you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. They will give you special instructions for these two conditions. Jewelry and any other items with metal should be left at home since they can interfere with the study. You will be offered a locker to store personal items prior to the exam.

You will receive specific instructions on the day of your scan. If you are having a radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment, you will be given advance instruction and will meet with the radiologist on the day of the exam.

Resource for Patients:

Nuclear Medicine

Locations for Nuclear Medicine:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • Richmond Community Hospital
  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
Person in PET/CT unit with technician nearby

PET/CT Unit

Positron Emission Tomography in combination with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) provides a more accurate evaluation for cancer than either modality alone. CT provides the roadmap of precise anatomic detail (size and location of the tumor, mass, etc.), and a PET scan overlay identifies abnormal metabolic activity (cellular activity of the tumor, mass, etc.).

Anatomic
CT scanners send a small column of x-rays through the body, which are measured by detectors in the CT scanner. A computer algorithm processes the information to produce pictures of the body’s internal structures.

Metabolic
PET images take advantage of the fact that metabolically active organs and rapidly growing tumors consume glucose (sugar) at high rates. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) a sugar similar to glucose is tagged with the radioactive fluorine (F18). As the FDG is used, it emits positrons. These positrons collide with electrons, giving off gamma rays, and a computer converts the gamma rays into images. These images demonstrate metabolic “hot spots.”

Large studies have shown that the following cancer types benefit most from this technology: breast, cervical, ovarian, esophageal, colorectal, lung, head and neck, sarcoma, melanoma and lymphoma.

PET/CT can be used to determine the extent of disease or the location of disease for biopsy, surgery or treatment planning. Using both modalities together enables the radiologist to make a more precise interpretation at an earlier time point. Later, it can be used to assess the response to treatment and detect residual or recurrent disease at an earlier time point. In this way, the patient may avoid additional biopsies.

What to Expect
The entire examination usually takes less than 30 minutes. The tagged FDG solution is injected into a vein. Images are then taken in a machine that looks like a traditional CT machine, in which a table slides into a detector that looks like a large donut. It is important that the patient remain still during the test since the two images must be superimposed and the detection of subcentimeter disease is a desired benefit of this technology.

Preparation
No preparation is necessary

Resource for Patients:

PET/CT

Locations for PET/CT:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
Ultrasound
woman pushing ultrasound machine

Ultrasound Unit

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create still or video images of the inside of the body. There is no ionizing radiation used, so it is safe for pregnant women and children. Pictures are obtained by placing gel on the skin and moving an ultrasound transducer over the area of interest. The exam is usually painless.

Fetal or obstetrical ultrasound is most often used to evaluate the size and age of a fetus as well as assess the growth during pregnancy. It can also be used to screen for certain abnormalities fetal anatomy.

Abdominal ultrasound evaluates the gallbladder, liver, spleen, pancreas, and spleen. Size and shape of the organs are usually easily recognized. Abnormalities, such as gallstones or kidney cysts, can be identified using ultrasound.

Pelvic ultrasound. In women, detailed images are obtained of the uterus and ovaries. This study usually includes an endovaginal exam, which is performed using a specially shaped transducer covered by a sterile sheath that the patient is asked to place into her vagina. In men, pelvic ultrasound can be utilized to image the prostate gland. The overall size and shape of the gland can be estimated. Prostate nodules can be imaged using an endorectal approach.

Thyroid ultrasound assesses the size of the thyroid gland. Thyroid lesions and/or nodules can be characterized for their make-up and location.

Vascular ultrasound is used to assess arteries and veins. Pulsed Doppler and color flow Doppler are used in addition to standard ultrasound imaging. Veins (usually leg veins) can be evaluated for thrombosis (blood clot) and arteries can be scanned to determine if there is any narrowing of the vessel due to atherosclerosis, usually in the carotid arteries of the neck. Vascular ultrasound can also be used to evaluate the abdominal blood vessels.

Breast ultrasound is performed to evaluate a palpable lump or an abnormality visualized on mammography or MRI. The distinction can be made between fluid-filled cysts, lymph nodes and solid masses. This information helps the radiologist and the patient’s clinician determine the appropriate course of treatment for the patient.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a targeted exam to evaluate individual tendons for small tears that cannot be seen on MRI.

Preparation:

  • Pelvic and Obstetrical (up to 20 weeks) Drink 4 (8 oz.) glasses of liquid without carbonation (no soda) one hour before your appointment. Be sure to eat. Do not chew gum. Do not empty your bladder. Obstetrical patients (20 weeks to term) drink 1 (8 oz) glass only.
  • Abdominal (Gallbladder, Liver, Pancreas, RUQ, Spleen) DO NOT eat or drink after midnight before your exam. Do not chew gum.
  • Breast, Thyroid, Musculoskeletal, and Vascular, no preparation necessary

Resource for Patients:

Ultrasound

Locations for Ultrasound:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • Richmond Community Hospital
  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Innsbrook
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Reynolds
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Short Pump
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
  • Laburnum Diagnostic Imaging Center (breast ultrasound only)
  • St Mary’s Women’s Imaging Center (breast ultrasound only)
X-rays (General Radiology)
Picture of X-ray Machine

Radiography (X-ray) Unit

Digital radiographs are the most common examination performed in our department. A small column of radiation passes through the body and strikes the digital sensor on the other side. As with digital photography, the image can be adjusted. The radiologist can magnify, rotate, lighten/darken, or measure on a workstation to better answer the clinical question. Radiographs of the chest, abdomen, spine, sinuses and extremities are the most common tests performed.

What to expect: At least two images are taken; additional images may be needed to answer the clinical question. You may be asked to wait, if your physician has requested that the result be called to their office prior to your departure from the center.

Preparation: There is no special preparation. You may need to change into a gown upon arrival. Typically, these studies require 5 to 15 minutes. Radiographs are offered on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary. If you are pregnant, you will need to notify the technologist.

Resource for Patients:

X-rays

Locations for X-rays:

  • Memorial Regional Medical Center
  • Richmond Community Hospital
  • St. Francis Medical Center
  • St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Innsbrook
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Reynolds
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Short Pump
  • Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
  • Bon Secours Midlothian Imaging Center
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Dr. Karen Killeen

Co-chair of Radiology at St Mary’s Hospital
Secretary of St Mary’s Hospital Medical Staff

graduated from the Medical College of Virginia. She completed her diagnostic radiology residency there, where she served as Chief Resident. She completed a fellowship in trauma radiology at the University of Maryland Medical System. Dr. Killeen is the President of Commonwealth Radiology. She is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and is also the Medical Director of both Nuclear Medicine and PET imaging at the Bon Secours Richmond facilities and at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital PET/CT Center at Reynold’s Crossing. Her special interests include emergency and trauma radiology, nuclear medicine, PET/CT, and body imaging.

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Dr. Richard Szucs

Fellow of the American College of Radiology
Fellow of the Society of Abdominal Imaging
Chairman of Radiology at St. Mary’s Hospital

graduated from the Jefferson Medical College and completed a rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and a diagnostic radiology residency at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Szucs is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and a fellow of the American College of Radiology and the Society of Abdominal Radiology. He remained on the faculty at VCU as Assistant Professor of Radiology in the abdominal imaging section and director of genitourinary radiology for 10 years before joining Commonwealth Radiology in 2000. He has an appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor of radiology at VCU. He served for a number of years as the book review editor of Radiology. He is a past President of the Richmond Radiological Society, the Virginia chapter of the ACR and the Richmond Academy of Medicine. He is presently the Vice-President of Commonwealth Radiology and past President of the Medical Executive Committee where he continues to serve on the executive committee of the medical staff as well as numerous other hospital committees. His special interests include gastrointestinal radiology and abdominal imaging and he is a member of the Society of Abdominal Radiology and the Society of Body CT and MRI. Dr. Szucs is a Richard is a Councilor and is the Chairman of the Legislative and Public Relations Committee for the Virginia chapter of the American College of Radiology. Dr. Szucs is also the President Elect for the Medical Society of Virginia.

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Dr. Alex Sleeker

Medical Director for Bon Secours Midlothian Imaging Center, Bon Secours West End MRI, and Bon Secours Short Pump Imaging Center

graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine and finished a transitional internship at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He completed both a diagnostic radiology residency and magnetic resonance imaging fellowship at Northwestern University. Dr. Sleeker is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and has been with Commonwealth Radiology since 2008. He is a past president and president elect of the Richmond Radiological Society. His special interests include MRI, musculoskeletal imaging, musculoskeletal ultrasound, joint injections, body imaging, and spine imaging.

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Dr. Todd Baird

Medical Director for Bon Secours Imaging Center at Reynolds Crossing

completed his surgical internship, diagnostic radiology residency and fellowship in cross-sectional imaging at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. He served as a clinical instructor at Brown before joining Commonwealth Radiology in January 2006.  His special interests include abdominal diagnostic imaging as well as ultrasound and CT guided interventional procedures.

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Dr. Jessica Berliner

graduated from Jefferson Medical College with the distinction of Alpha Omega Alpha and The J.Woodrow Savacool Prize in Medical Ethics. Completed a diagnostic radiology residency at Temple University Hospital and an interventional radiology fellowship at the University of Virginia. Dr. Berliner is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Her special interests include mammography, breast ultrasound, breast interventional procedures, DXA (certification), CT and ultrasound guided procedures, and nuclear medicine, including PET/CT.

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Dr. Robert Beskin

Medical Director of MRI at St Mary’s Hospital
MRI Director for Bon Secours Imaging Center at Reynolds Crossing

graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed a surgical internship at the Medical University of South Carolina, diagnostic radiology residency at the Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation and a neuroradiology fellowship at the University of Virginia. Dr. Beskin is board certified by the American Board of Radiology, has earned a Certificate of Additional Qualification in neuroradiology and is a senior member of the American Society of Neuroradiology. His special interests include MRI, interventional neuroradiology, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and spine interventions.

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Dr. John Cameron

graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas, TX. He completed his internship in surgery at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX and his diagnostic radiology residency at the Jackson Memorial Medical Center University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Cameron completed his fellowship in body imaging at Wake Forest Baptist University Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. His special interests include abdominal and pelvic MRI and breast radiology.

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Dr. Charlotte A. Cockrell

graduated from the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine). She remained at MCV-VCU for her internship in internal medicine, diagnostic radiology residency, and MRI fellowship.  Her fellowship year included additional training in musculoskeletal imaging and procedures, neuroradiology, abdominal imaging, and cardiothoracic imaging. Dr. Cockrell is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. She has a special interest in abdominal imaging. Dr. Cockrell is the President of the Richmond Radiological Society for the 2017-2018 term.

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Dr. Timothy Cole

Medical Director for Bon Secours Imaging Center at Innsbrook

graduated from Thomas Jefferson University Medical School, Philadelphia, PA.  He completed his radiology residency at the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, and his fellowship in pulmonary and cardiac radiology at the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University.  He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiology at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. His special interests include chest radiology and acute care radiology.

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Dr. Douglas Cook

graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and completed an internal medicine internship at the University of Maryland. He completed both a diagnostic radiology residency and body imaging fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Cook is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. His special interests include nuclear medicine including PET imaging, MRI, and body imaging. Dr. Cook is the Radiation Safety Officer for the Richmond Bon Secours facilities.

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Dr. David Disler

Fellow of the American College of Radiology

Graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1988. He completed his internal medicine internship at Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, and his radiology residency and musculoskeletal fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Disler is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a fellow of the American College of Radiology. He is a member of the International Skeletal Society and the Society of Skeletal Radiology. He is the author of many articles in the field of bone and joint imaging, and has written two books on the subject . Dr. Disler was formerly deputy editor of Radiology, and currently reviews for several journals. A former board examiner and member of the ABR Board Examination Committee, his interests include imaging of articular cartilage, musculoskeletal tumor imaging, and musculoskeletal interventions including radiofrequency ablation.

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Dr. Mark Dixon

Medical Director at Bon Secours Imaging at Westchester
Medical Director at St. Mary’s Women’s Imaging Center
Co-director for Breast Imaging, Commonwealth Radiology

graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia. He returned to the University of Virginia, where he completed a Diagnostic Radiology residency, serving as a chief resident. He went on to complete a fellowship in Breast Imaging at the University of Virginia and joined Commonwealth Radiology in July, 2009. Dr. Dixon is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. His special interests include mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MR, and breast interventional procedures. 

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Dr. Jean Dufour

graduated from the University Libre De Bruxel les School of Medicine and completed a diagnostic radiology residency at Wayne State University and a neuroradiology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Dufour is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and has earned a Certificate of Additional Qualification in neuroradiology. He is the Chairman of the Credentials Committee at Memorial Regional Medical Center and served as the Chairman of Radiology at Memorial Regional Medical Center from 1998-2001. He is a past president of the Richmond Radiological Society. He has an appointment as clinical professor of radiology at Medical College of Virginia. His special interests include neuroradiology, CT guided procedures, and MRI.

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Dr. Maurice Finnegan

graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and went on to complete a surgical internship at Charity Hospital in Louisiana, a diagnostic radiology residency at the Medical College of Virginia and a vascular and interventional fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Finnegan is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and has earned Certificates of Additional Qualification in both neuroradiology and vascular interventional radiology. He served as Chairman of the St. Mary’s Hospital Institutional Review Board from 1997 to 1998. His special interests include vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, radiofrequency ablation, and pain management.

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Dr. Robert Goldschmidt

Fellow of the American College of Radiology

graduated from the University of Wisconsin Medical School and went on to complete an internship in pediatrics, diagnostic radiology residency and ultrasound and CT fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia. He served as Chief Resident while in residency. Dr. Goldschmidt is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and has earned a Certificate of Additional Qualification in pediatric radiology. He is the immediate past president of Commonwealth Radiology, P.C. and is a past Chairman of Radiology at St Mary’s Hospital. His special interests include pediatric radiology and MRI.

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Dr. Amos Q. Habib

graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC and went on to complete an Internal Medicine internship at University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, a Diagnostic Radiology residency at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY where he was Chief Resident, and an Interventional Fellowship at the Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC. Dr. Habib is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology. His special interest is interventional radiology, including uterine fibroid embolization, biliary interventions, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and oncologic interventions such as radiofrequency ablation, chemo-embolization, and port-a-cath placement.

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Dr. Turner Lewis

CoChairman for Radiology at St. Francis Medical Center

completed his diagnostic radiology residency at the Medical College of Virginia where he served as the chief resident. He then completed his fellowship in diagnostic neuroradiology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and has achieved a Certificate of Additional Qualification in neuroradiology. His special interests are neuroradiology, MRI, and interventional radiology.

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Dr. Namit Mahajan

CoChair of Radiology at St. Mary’s Hospital

is a native of Chicago, IL. He completed his diagnostic radiology residency at Loyola University in Chicago. Subsequently, he attended Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital where he completed his vascular and interventional radiology fellowship. He is board certified in interventional radiology. His many professional interests include uterine fibroid embolization, prostate artery embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia, treatment of liver and kidney tumors (Yttrium-90, cryoablation), male and female varicocele embolization, IVC filter removal, biliary and portal vein interventions, and pain management/kyphoplasty. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and is an avid sports fan. He is Commonwealth Radiology’s medical director for interventional radiology.

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Dr. Daniel Musick

graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his internship at St. Vincent Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN and his diagnostic radiology residency at Northwestern University where he was chief resident. Dr. Musick completed a fellowship in pediatric radiology at the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Musick serves at the Medical Director for Pediatric Imaging for Bon Secours Richmond facilities. His special interests include pediatric imaging and women’s imaging including mammography and breast ultrasound. He is a member of the American College of Radiology and the Society for Pediatric Radiology.

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Dr. Bobbette Newsome

graduated from the University of Virginia Medical School and went on to complete a transitional internship at the Medical College of Virginia. She completed both a diagnostic radiology residency and ultrasound/CT cross-sectional fellowship at Temple University Hospital. Dr. Newsome is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Her main interests include cross-sectional imaging and women’s imaging.

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Dr. Brian Pacious

Co-chair of Radiology at Memorial Regional Medical Center

graduated from Georgetown University Medical School, completed a transitional internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, California and a diagnostic radiology residency at St Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, California. Dr. Pacious is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and has earned a Certificate of Additional Qualification in pediatric radiology. He is a member of the Society of Pediatric Radiology and a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). His special interests include pediatric radiology and nuclear medicine.

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Dr. Vaden Padgett

graduated from the University of Virginia, School of Medicine with the distinction of Alpha Omega Alpha, and stayed to complete his surgery internship and diagnostic radiology residency. Dr. Padgett served as chief resident at the University of Virginia. He completed a fellowship in bone and joint imaging at University of Virginia and joined Commonwealth Radiology in July, 2005. He is a councilor of the American College of Radiology and serves on the board of the Virginia chapter of the ACR. Dr. Padgett is the Medical Director of Information Technology for CR and the Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Radiology for Bon Secours Richmond facilities. He is an Alternate Councilor for the Virginia chapter of the American College of Radiology.

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Dr. Austin Peat

graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and finished a transitional surgery internship at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. He completed both a Diagnostic Radiology residency and a Musculoskeletal Imaging fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Dr. Peat is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. His special interests include MRI, musculoskeletal imaging, and body imaging.

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Dr. Susan Kroner

Fellow of the American College of Radiology (FACR)

Chair of Radiology, Richmond Community Hospital 
Medical Director, Laburnum Diagnostic Imaging Center

graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine and went on to complete a transitional internship at Metrowest Medical Center. She started her diagnostic radiology residency at Hartford Hospital and finished at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She completed a fellowship in bone and joint imaging at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Kroner is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a fellow in the American College of Radiology. During her fellowship, Dr. Kroner coauthored a musculoskeletal imaging book. She was a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School and assistant clinical professor of radiology at Brown University prior to joining Commonwealth Radiology. Dr. Kroner served as the President for the Medical Staff at Richmond Community Hospital during 2018 and 2019, and continues to serve on the Medical Executive Committee and the Credential’s committee. She is a past president of the Richmond Radiological Society.  She has been a certified densitometrist with the International Society of Clinical Densitometry since 1998. Her special interests include MRI, orthopedic radiology including musculoskeletal ultrasound, bone densitometry, and women’s imaging.

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Dr. Christian Shield

Co-director for Breast Imaging, Commonwealth Radiology

graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University as the first combined degree recipient with a Medical Doctor/Master of Health Administration. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine and trained for 2 years in Radiation Oncology at VCU. He then transferred to Wake Forest University in North Carolina where he completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology and remained to complete a fellowship in Breast Imaging. He is Board certified by the American Board of Radiology. His special interests include breast imaging including mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MR and breast interventional procedures.

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Dr. Lori Smithson

graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and remained there to complete both her diagnostic radiology residency and fellowship in neuroradiology. Dr. Smithson is board certified by the American Board of Radiology, has earned a Certificate of Additional Qualification in neuroradiology, and is a senior member of the American Society of Neuroradiology. She is a past president of the Richmond Radiological Society. Her special interests include neuroimaging and body imaging.

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Dr. Chris Somerville

Dr. Somerville graduated from the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine). He stayed at MCV-VCU for an internship in internal medicine and received the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. He completed radiology residency at the West Penn Allegheny Health System in Pittsburgh, PA, where he served as chief resident. Following this, Dr. Somerville completed a fellowship in abdominal imaging and intervention at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Somerville serves as our Director of Ultrasound at all Commonwealth Radiology facilities. His special interests include chest and abdominal imaging.

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Dr. Mark Vaughn

Fellow of the American College of Radiology (FACR)

Co-Chairman of Radiology at St. Francis Medical Center

graduated from the Medical College of Virginia, with the distinction of Alpha Omega Alpha. He remained at MCV to complete an internship in internal medicine and residency in diagnostic radiology. Dr. Vaughn is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. He is the past President of the Richmond Radiological Society. Dr. Vaughn serves as Commonwealth Radiology’s Director of Quality Assurance. He has served as many years as an Alternate Councilor for the Virginia chapter of the American College of Radiology.  His special interests include body imaging, interventional radiology, and breast imaging, including breast MRI. 

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Dr. Gregg Weinberg

graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, completed an internal medicine internship at Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center, a diagnostic radiology residency at Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke’s Medical Center and a vascular and interventional fellowship at the University of California at San Diego. Dr. Weinberg is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and earned a Certificate of Additional Qualification in vascular and interventional radiology. His special interest is interventional radiology, including uterine fibroid embolization, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and oncologic interventions such as radiofrequency ablation, chemo-embolization, and port-a-cath placement.

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Dr. Janette Worthington

graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and stayed to complete an internship in internal medicine at the Medical College of Virginia. She then traveled to the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology where she completed a diagnostic radiology residency and abdominal imaging fellowship. She is board certified by the American Board of Radiology has maintained a Certificate of Additional Qualification (via MOC) in pediatric radiology. She developed the breast MRI program at St Mary’s Hospital and has served on the hospital’s Credentials Committee. She is an active member in the Society of Pediatric Radiology. Her special interests include pediatric radiology and women’s imaging, including breast MRI.

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Dr. Sarah LaFond

graduated from the George Washington University Medical Center with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. During medical school she completed a one year research fellowship at the National Institute of Health for which she received a Cancer Research Training Award. She then completed her internship, diagnostic radiology residency and breast imaging fellowship at the University of Virginia Medical Center. She is board certified by the American Board of Radiology.

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Dr. Suraj Kabadi

graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Biomedical Engineering and from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his diagnostic radiology residency and fellowship in Diagnostic Neuroradiology at the University of Virginia. During Residency, he served as a VC-ACR Board Member for two years and received both the UVA Radiology Research Resident of the Year and the Spencer B. Gay Service Award for Clinical Excellence in 2017. Dr. Kabadi is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and has achieved a Subspecialty Certificate in Neuroradiology. He has coauthored several articles in Radiology journals. Within his clinical focus is neuroradiology, his special interests are CT and ultrasound guided head and neck interventions and percutaneous abdominal  interventions. He has served as an Alternate Councilor for Virginia at the American College of Radiology. He is the Medical Director for Neuroradiology at the Bon Secours Richmond facilities.

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Dr. Jawad Hussain

Co-chair of Radiology, Memorial Regional Medical Center

graduated from Boston University with a BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and from the Georgetown University School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine and a Master of Science. He completed his diagnostic radiology residency at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, where he served as the Chief Moonlighting Resident. He completed his fellowship in Vascular & Interventional Radiology at the University of Michigan. During Residency, he served as a State Delegate to the AMA Annual Meetings for several years, and a Representative to the Committee on Legislation, Alternate Trustee, and Governing Council Member for the Massachusetts Medical Society. He also served on the Hospital Quality Improvement Council at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He has coauthored several articles in Radiology journals. His clinical focus is Interventional Radiology and special interests are Interventional Oncology, portal hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, male and female genitourinary interventions (uterine fibroid & prostatic artery embolization). Dr. Hussain has been appointed to serve on the Credentials Committee for Memorial Medical Center.

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Dr. Bert Piggott

Chair of Radiology, Rappahannock General Hospital

graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA degree in Zoology and he earned his M.D. degree from The U.N.C. School of Medicine. He then completed his diagnostic radiology residency at The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Dr. Piggott is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Upon completion of his residency, he soon became a partner and subsequently served as Senior Partner and President at Halifax X-ray Associates in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. He practiced for 29 consecutive years at Halifax X-ray Associates. In addition to serving on his hospital’s Medical Executive Committee and as the Radiation Safety Officer, Dr. Piggott has served on many hospital committees including Credentials, Patient Care, Safety, Quality Council, and Patient Education. His special interests include body imaging and neuroimaging.

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Dr. Rakesh Agarwal

Dr Rakesh Agarwal completed both his diagnostic radiology residency and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has worked as a Staff radiologist at the McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital for the past 10 years. During that time, he served as the Director of MRI Safety and helped develop the cardiac MRI program. He currently serves as director of MRI safety for Commonwealth Radiology and director of Computed Tomography (CT). His special areas of interest include cardiac MRI, coronary CTA, prostate imaging, Body MRI and non-vascular percutaneous interventions.

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Dr. Nathan Ogden

graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine. He completed an internship in General Surgery at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and his Diagnostic Radiology residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Subsequently, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he completed his Vascular and Interventional Radiology fellowship. He is board eligible in Interventional Radiology. He has co-authored Radiology journal and textbook publications.  His many professional interests include oncology, hepatobiliary intervention and hemodialysis graft/fistula intervention.

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Dr. Samarth Gola

graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine internship at MedStar Union Memorial / Good Samaritan Hospital. He completed his diagnostic radiology residency at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, where he was Chief Resident. He completed his musculoskeletal imaging fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. His special areas of interest include musculoskeletal MRI, joint and soft tissue interventions, and spine and peripheral nerve imaging.

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Dr. Avinash Pillutla

graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Biomedical Engineering and MS in Systems and Information Engineering. He then went on to Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine to complete a Doctorate in Medicine. Next, he pursued medical training at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System to become dual board-certified in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology. As a resident he first-authored a manuscript publication, engaged in book contributions, presented at educational conferences, participated in multiple lecture presentations, and co-authored in multiple scientific exhibits. He served as the Radiological Society of North America representative for his residency program, and actively participated in the resident and fellow section of the Society of Interventional Radiology. During the course of training he attained the distinction of Alpha Omega Alpha, served as Chief Radiology Resident, and was selected for the M. Pinson Neal Jr. MD Outstanding Resident Award by the Department of Radiology. He loves practicing all facets of Vascular and Interventional Radiology including Interventional Oncology, Hepatobiliary and Portal Interventions, Genitourinary Interventions, and a variety of Arterial and Venous Interventions.

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Dr. Kenny Uy

graduated from Duke University in 1996 and  then received his MD from Virginia Commonwealth University. He followed this with a medicine internship at Bethesda Naval Hospital before serving in the military from 2003-2007. He then returned to train in diagnostic radiology at Virginia Commonwealth  University. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Since he completed his training in 2011, he has worked at the McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital.  His special interests are general diagnostic radiology including women’s imaging, procedures and emergency medicine.

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Dr. Olutayo Olubiyi

EDUCATION

  • Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences, Ile Ife, Nigeria; M.B,Ch.B (MD) 2008
  • Harvard University School of Public Health, Boston; MPH 2013
  • Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Darby PA; Diagnostic Radiology Residency (2017-2021)
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC. Diagnostic Neuroradiology Fellowship (2021-2022)
  • The fellowship includes interpreting all imaging modalities for the evaluation of the brain, spine, head and neck, brachial plexus using CT, MRI,
  • angiography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy-guided lumbar punctures/myelography, and advanced
  • neuroimaging methods such as functional MRI, MR spectroscopy, CT, and MR perfusion imaging. 

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • American Board of Radiology (ABR) Certification-Board Eligible

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCIETIES MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Society of Neuroradiologists (Member in-training, 2019 – present)
  • American Roentgen Ray Society (Member, 2017 – present)
  • American College of Radiology (Member, 2017 – present)
  • American Medical Association (Member, 2015 – present)

Interests :  He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children especially watching his children play team Soccer.

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Dr. Kunal Patel

Interventional and diagnostic radiologist

EDUCATION: 

  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Magna Cum Laude (December 2010) University of Georgia, Athens, GA  
  • Doctor of Medicine (May 2016) Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA  
  • General Surgery – Preliminary Internship (July 2016 – June 2017) Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL
  • Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency (July 2017 – June 2022) Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA

HOBBIES/INTERESTS

  • Running, hiking, mountain biking, tennis, travelling
  • Fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi

 

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