Importance of Arthrography with Sim Hoffman

Arthrography is a big part the medical field that Sim Hoffman has studied for years. This medical technique consists of finding internal problems with images. The common way to perform this is to inject a fluid into the body, where it will be absorbed by the joints to create a spot that stands out. This is a type of x-ray called fluoroscopy, where the liquid injected is used to find the problem with the joint. This procedure is effectively targeted solely towards the health of the joints in the body. 

                                   

The procedure of arthrography is injecting a special fluid into the bloodstream, where it is eventually absorbed into the joints of the body. Direct arthrography is similar, except the fluid is injected directly into the joint itself. The radiologist is able to clearly see the anatomy and any possible problems with the joint, thanks to the fluid making it clearly visible. As the possible damage to joints increases with age, this medical procedure is clearly needed for those who may suffer from such conditions.

Arthrography is itself a part of the bigger family of radiology that allows radiologists to use certain techniques to get a clear picture of the internal joint and any possible damage to it. Sim Hoffman has used this technology for years to diagnose patients, as well as recommend the best course of action for them to take. The various procedures of radiology re important for medical treatments, and arthrography is certainly no exception to this fact.

Sim Hoffman - How to Have a Successful Residency Program Interview

After successfully completing four years of medical school, students must enter a residency program in the specialty field you wish to pursue. For Sim Hoffman, it was important to find a program that would help him advance his knowledge and understanding of radiology. In order to land in the residency program that is best for you, you have to undergo an interview, much like the interview, you had to partake in when applying to medical school. 

Sim Hoffman

 The interview process for each residency program is highly evaluative in nature and is extremely important in the selection process. Medical students need to recognize the importance of the interview and follow these rules if they wish to succeed and land the residency of their dreams.

1. Dig deep and clearly convey who you are and what you know about the program. Those in the role of decision maker are looking for candidates that will help them achieve their own goals while finding success in the program.
2. Your first impression can make or break you. To make a good first impression, you need to arrive early to your interview and be well-dressed and impeccably groomed. Look each interview in the eye and shake hands properly.
3. Make yourself noticeable and stand out from the rest of the crowd. Be sure to discuss your remarkable accomplishments and talk about your unique strengths and strong qualities.

Remember, there are hundreds of applicants all vying for the same spot in the program, it is up to you to impress the decision-makers and make sure they remember who you are. Sim Hoffman completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the USC Medical Center in Los Angeles and is now the Medical Director for Advanced Professional Imaging Medical Group in Buena Park, California.

Sim Hoffman - Medical Director at Advanced Professional Imaging Medical Group

Sim Hoffman, the Medical Director at Advanced Professional Imaging Medical Group, is an accomplished radiologist based in Buena Park, California, part of Metropolitan Los Angeles.

He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia. His areas of expertise include general radiology, nuclear medicine, mammography, C.T. and ultrasound.

X-rays are forms of radiant energy, just like ordinary light. But unlike light, x-rays penetrate the body, which is how radiologists are able to take pictures of its internal structures. Doctors use the images produced by x-rays to obtain information about the health of their patients, and to make accurate diagnoses. 

One of the most common x-rays performed is on bones, which help physicians understand the nature of factures or dislocated joints. Bone x-rays don’t use much radiation to produce pictures and are a painless procedure. X-rays are usually done in a cool room, and some patients report a little discomfort from the temperatures, and from having to stay in a particular position while the x-ray is made. No radiation stays in the body once the procedure is over, and most patients don’t have any side effects. X-rays are always taken at the lowest possible radiation level, and modern systems are very sophisticated, enabling the radiologist to minimize any stray radiation.

Sim Hoffman has been the Medical Director at Advanced Professional Imaging Medical Group since 1986. He is a member of the American College of Radiology, the Radiology Society of North America, the Society of Nuclear Medicine, and a number of other professional organizations.

Sources:

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=safety-xray

Sim Hoffman - Becoming a Nuclear Medicine Technician

Nuclear medicine technologists like Sim Hoffman of Buena Park, California, are highly specialized healthcare professionals. They prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals and other medications to their patients. These medications, along with specialized equipment, help them monitor the functions and characteristics of tissues and organs. The field of Nuclear Medicine technology requires specialized training to gain certification before becoming a nuclear medicine technician.

For those interested in becoming a technician in nuclear medicine, it is important to enroll in a program that has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Both Associate and Bachelor programs in Nuclear Medicine technology will provide you with the experience and training needed to enter into this field. During your course of study, you can expect to take classes in tomographic imaging, radiopharmaceuticals, radiation physics and human anatomy.

Once you have complete your classes, you will have to take two national certification exams, and pass at least one. Obtaining both credentials from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board will help improve your employment prospects. While not all states require nuclear medicine technicians to be licensed, the requirements for those that do will vary. It is important to check with your state to see what may be required for you.

Sim Hoffman, the Medical Director for the Advanced Professional Imaging Medical Group, has been a certified specialist in Nuclear Medicine since 1984 after completing his fellowship in Nuclear Medicine at the USC Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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Sim Hoffman - Preparing for a Radiological Arthrogram

When you begin experiencing joint pain, your doctor may send you to an experienced Radiologist like Sim Hoffman, to have an arthrogram performed. An arthrogram is a diagnostic test that examines the inside of your joint to find out what kind of injury you have, or to verify a symptom you may be experiencing. An outline of the soft tissue structures in the joint is obtained by injecting a contrast medium into the area. This makes them clearer to see on the pictures that are taken of the joint.

                                     

Moving images are transmitted onto a screen using fluoroscopy. This helps guide the placement of the needle that contains the contrast medium. This helps the affected area show up better on an MRI or CT scan. Usually, before an arthrogram is performed, you should already have had x-ray images made of the joint. You may also have images from an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI that you need to provide your doctor. 

The arthrogram usually only takes about fifteen minutes to perform. However, it may be a short wait until you can have the MRI or CT scan performed. Once you are taken back for the scan, you can expect to be in the MRI machine for approximately thirty to forty-five minutes, and the CT machine for fifteen minutes. 

An experienced radiologist like Sim Hoffman will be responsible for injecting the contrast medium into the joint, as well as ensuring that the right scans are being performed after the injection. There also are the individuals who will analyze the scans and prepare a formal report based on the findings. 

Sim Hoffman on the Role of a Radiologist

When Sim Hoffman started out his impressive career, the role of a radiologist was still rather traditional in its nature. This meant – almost exclusively – the creation and interpretation of diagnostic images. This notion is rather obsolete now, as the role of today’s medical radio imaging experts, if anything, is ever-evolving. Radiologists are now expected to do more and be more, but that is not only a professional requirement but also a personal mission inspired by improving technology and the evolving roles that today’s medical professionals fill, which are also different compared to how they were even a couple of decades ago. 
Change Since the Mid 90’s
There have been marked changes in medicine in the last two decades. The technology and the funding for diagnostic tools have increased significantly. This changed the role of the radiologist as well.

Better Collaboration
The need to develop better working relationships with the ordering doctors (those who order certain imaging tests) has significantly increased as well. As a result, a radiologist today is required to survey other specialists to guarantee the standard of procedure expected of them.

Their Unique Role
As the number of outpatients increase, radiologists need to contribute more to their care, especially when it comes to developing and maintaining well-functioning working relationships with referring doctors. A hospital department that wants to function well involves radiologists at every phases of the decision making process.

As an expert radiologist himself, Sim Hoffman welcomes these new challenges that require more and more from him and his fellow radiologists.

Sources:
https://www.advisory.com/research/imaging-performance-partnership/studies/2012/the-changing-radiologist-role
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Sim Hoffman on Fetal Heart Evaluation

As an experienced radiologist who has seen his fair share of interesting medical cases, Sim Hoffman fully understands just how important it is to successfully evaluate the heart development of fetuses. Discovering certain conditions early on can save lives and create the possibility of long term health.

Fetal Heart Abnormalities 

In about 0.4%-1.1% of live births the doctors find some kind of heart abnormality. These problems are unfortunately leading causes of high infant mortality rates. Congenital heart defects are often hard to see, despite the consistent medical imaging efforts that try to discover preexisting conditions. An accurate and early diagnosis is extremely important because it allows the doctors to prepare for various scenarios. However, there are certain obstacles that make the imaging process challenging.

Heart size, High heart rate, Movement and Position 

In the early stages of pregnancy, the size of a fetus’ heart is very tiny, often only 2 centimeters (not even an inch in its diameter). Furthermore, it beats extremely fast. A fetus’s healthy heart rate varies depending on its age, but it can be as high as 180, which makes the imaging process even harder.

Then there are factors like the movement of the fetus and its position, all having a huge impact on the quality of the images.

4D is the future

4D imaging technologies are currently revolutionizing the field, making the early evaluation of fetuses - with special emphasis on the condition and development of their heart – quicker and more accurate. As an expert radiologist with a private practice, Sim Hoffman likes to take advantage of the latest technologies.

Sources: http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/fruit-womb/importance-fetal-heart-evaluation
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