- How would you describe the importance of magnetic resonance in modern radiological diagnostics and what are its key advantages compared to other methods?
The role of magnetic resonance imaging has reached its peak today. Every year, the need for these examinations increases by about 20 percent. Thanks to the development of technology in radiology, today it is unthinkable that a neurologist, orthopedist, surgeon or specialist in internal medicine does not refer a patient to this examination in order to have a better insight into the condition of a certain organ, tissue, and the very nature of changes in it. A high-quality recording and its professional interpretation are a requirement for further treatment of the patient. In particular, magnetic resonance has always been the method of choice for examining the head, spine and joints, while in the last twenty years it has also become the method for examining the pelvis, abdomen, heart and breasts. The advantage over the scanner (CT) is in the diagnosis of injuries to joints, soft tissues, head examination, even the staging of numerous tumors, where we can very precisely say to what extent it has spread, what stage it is in, so that, for example, the surgeon or oncologist knew how best to treat the patient. Let’s not forget that, unlike a CT scan, magnetic resonance excludes all types of harmful radiation, so it can be safely used in children and a pregnant woman.
- You were the first to introduce whole body magnetic resonance imaging screening here. What does this method enable in the early diagnosis of diseases and how much can it contribute to the health of patients?
In addition to patients who come to us with a specific health problem, where we do, among other things, targeted examinations with magnetic resonance imaging, CITYmed is also the choice of those who want to screen the whole body (Whole body MRI), which made us stand out many years ago. I can say that we are the first in our country to start this review. I got that idea from my colleague who shared experiences from other centers in Europe and that’s how we started doing these reviews. The protocol of selected “sequences” is most often applied to the healthy population as part of a systematic examination, where in a “short” time a complete insight into the body’s externalities is obtained. The goal is early detection of the most serious diseases, so that specific therapy can be started as soon as possible. It is, in fact, an examination intended for the population that wants to be examined and to see the condition of organs and tissues in one act. In eight years we have done over 1000 of these review.
- How does artificial intelligence affect the development of radiological diagnostics and what is its role in the future of this field?
The artificial intelligence revolution has also found its application in radiology. At first, it will help doctors in making radiological diagnoses with a significant reduction in error, and in the near future there will be programs in hospitals that will enable the analysis of all images, increase diagnostic accuracy, guide, for example, which radiological methods will be chosen for certain diseases, recognize schemes for easier detection of hidden anomalies, predict the further course of the disease based on these images, enable easier and faster staff education and, finally, reduce costs. Certain programs are already successfully used in the analysis of, for example, chest x-rays and breast cancer screening (Google AI), early detection of lung cancer (Nvidia AI) and stroke (See AI). To the increasingly frequent questions about whether we will be out of work one day – the answer is that I don’t believe it, but those who don’t know how to use AI software, everyoneI, will.
Disneyland photo studio: CityMedic
- What are the main challenges in the work of private medical practice in Serbia and how can it help reduce waiting lists in the health system?
That the health system of our country should survive only on state hospitals is a big misconception. The fact is that it doesn’t survive, it’s just that it’s not talked about as much as it should be. The state system still does not see the private sector as a business partner. A large number of people are treated with us, in private practice, even though their employer pays for state health insurance. The reasons have long been known: lack of staff, large crowds, waiting lists. Waiting lists, by the way, exist everywhere in Europe, but they have been reduced to a moderate extent. It is important to say that a large number of people today have additional private insurance, which they pay for themselves or are paid for by their employer. In the last five years, private health insurances have increased significantly and this can be seen in our daily work. Waiting lists are solved by introducing a private practice into the system, where patients will be able to choose where they want to be photographed or treated, somewhere they will have to participate or use the additional option of their private insurance, and the Fund will reimburse the private practice for that service. That, in my opinion, is the only way, the other way aroundthere is no rank.
- Your clinic is known for its cooperation with many sports clubs, both domestic and foreign. What does this cooperation mean for you and how is it organized?
Yes, we cooperate with many athletes, federations and clubs. For all these years, there is no athlete who we did not perform some diagnostics. When we say “sports injuries”, we are talking about joint, soft tissue and muscle injuries, and the way of working with athletes is very specific. Diagnostics must be precise, fast and not only basic radiological knowledge is enough, but also knowledge about the mechanisms of injury, classification of injuries, but also how to present it to a professional, trainer, his doctor, how to write a report, separate what is important from what is not important at a given moment. I am fortunate to know a large number of sports doctors, orthopedists, physiatrists and excellent therapists, from whom I have learned a lot. It can’t just be read in books and found on internet.
- You are the proud bearer of recognition from the “Oxford Encyclopedia” as one of the most successful people from Serbia. How did this recognition affect you?š professional path and reputation of your clinic?
It’s a recognition I’m very happy with, unexpectedly, because I’m among people who have left a much bigger mark than me. There are 2,000 people from the fields of science, medicine, sports, culture, and corporate business. I often think about it and it always gives me some wind at my back, because I know I’m on the right path. I am very gratefulI’ll take it.
- You started the clinic very young, with significant risks. What was your motivation and how did you manage to build a successful practice and achieve a high level of business?
CITYmed was opened in 2017, I was only 36 years old. For us doctors, that is “youth”. Given that the studies last six years, I was a clinical doctor for two years, followed by specialization, a doctorate. It’s hard. We were the ninth private clinic in Belgrade that had magnetic resonance imaging and a scanner – therefore, a serious “game” was already being played and we had to survive. Today there are several more, and I think that in order to really succeed in any business, you must first of all have knowledge, discipline from which comes further motivation, a plan and a trustworthy team. Money has never been my motivation. It comes with time if you fight for a job and is only one part of what you get. I wanted, above all, to succeed, to make something of my own. I often like to say that all the time you think you are building a business, but in the end – it growsdi you ■
Source: bizlife.rs
