Every year, Hour Detroit publishes a list of the Top Doctors in metro Detroit. This year’s list contains more than 1,000 physicians in 97 specialties — all nominated by their peers. With so many doctors at our fingertips we’d be remiss not to share some of their insights with you. Below is one of the eight interviews with a 2026 Top Doctor.
Many patients worry about radiation from imaging. What would you want them to know?
It’s an understandable concern, and I’m glad when patients ask. The vast majority of neuroradiology imaging involves no radiation at all. MRI, a primary tool for imaging the brain and spine, uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation. When CT is necessary, we use the lowest radiation dose needed to obtain a high-quality diagnostic study. The key is balancing a very small potential radiation risk against the benefit of making a diagnosis quickly.
In some situations, such as head trauma, intracranial bleed, and stroke, CT imaging can provide critical information to guide lifesaving treatment immediately. Radiologists take radiation safety very seriously. We follow the ALARA principle, “as low as reasonably achievable,” using advanced scanner protocols and modern technology to tailor each imaging exam to the individual patient, reducing radiation risk — especially with children and those who may require repeat imaging, such as oncology patients.
What is something you wish more people understood about being a physician and your specialty?
One of the biggest misconceptions about radiology is that we spend our days sitting alone in a dark room reading scans. The reality is the specialty is highly collaborative and essential to patient care. As a neuroradiologist at Karmanos Cancer Center, I work closely with a multidisciplinary team … to help guide critical diagnostic and meaningful treatment decisions and provide the best outcome for our cancer patients. I also have direct patient care, performing image-guided biopsies, explaining findings, answering questions, and providing reassurance during some of the most challenging moments for our patients. As a cancer survivor myself, taking the time to improve the patient’s oncology imaging experience, implementing departmental process improvements with improved imaging protocols and safety measures, and mentoring and professionally developing the talented physicians in my department is my unwavering personal mission.
This story originally appeared in the October 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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