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| Dr. Christine M. Walsh |
Skydiver. Scuba diver. Explorer. Not necessarily descriptors that come to mind when you hear the word, “Radiologist.” But then, you haven’t met Dr. Walsh.
Radiology Group, PC.SC would like to introduce Christine M. Walsh, MD, the 14th board-certified Radiologist to join Radiology Group, PC.SC, Davenport, Iowa, and the sixth member to join the group’s team of mammography and breast imaging specialists. Dr. Walsh and her colleagues provide diagnostic imaging services and interventional radiology for Genesis Imaging Centers, Davenport and Bettendorf, Genesis Health System and the Centers for Breast Heath.
Q: As a diagnostic radiologist, describe what you do.
“Basically, diagnostic radiologists help health care providers see inside the body. We use imaging tools such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, digital mammography, X-ray and other technologies to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. We combine imaging findings with clinical information to help guide clinicians in the treatment of their patients. We often work behind the scene as problem solvers, and a lot of the time, whatever we diagnose and recommend is going to determine the course of treatment for a patient.”
Q: Why medicine? Why radiology?
“I knew I was going to be a doctor from the time I was in elementary school. I always liked science and it seemed like a good way to help people and make a difference. When I first started medical school at the University of Iowa, radiology was not even on my radar. Then I did my radiology rotation and I loved how fast-paced, unique, and diverse it was. There is a lot more interaction with patients than I had thought. We perform a lot of procedures and biopsies, and I really enjoy doing imaging guided interventions. When a patient is very ill and you make a diagnosis and recommendation that changes a patient’s management, it’s very gratifying to see them reach a positive turning point. I like knowing I had contact with that patient.”
Q: You’re a breast-imaging specialist. What does your work involve?
“We see as wide variety of patients. Most of our patients come to us for their annual screening mammograms but we also see many patients who are having breast symptoms such as pain or palpable lumps. When a patient comes to us with a suspicious finding, we provide a thorough evaluation using a combination of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. If necessary, we also perform minimally invasive imaging guided biopsies. When cancer is suspected, the follow-up process is a very high stress situation for women. It’s very important to me that patients are well informed, comfortable — and they know what to expect. I enjoy working with them, being part of a multidisciplinary team and providing personalized care.”
Q: How do you spend your free time?
“I like traveling, exploring new places and experiencing new things. I’ve been to the Galapagos Islands, gone skydiving, and scuba diving. I also enjoy running and working out at the gym. But what I love most? Spending family time with my husband and daughter. With an 18-month-old toddler, some days there is more than enough adventure to go around!”
For questions or more information, contact KD Flick, physician liaison, Genesis Imaging Centers, Davenport at 563-421-5632.