158: Dr. Kartik Shah

Radiologist

Dr. Shah is the medical director and chairman of Radiology at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. Both he and his wife are physicians who worked through the pandemic. Dr. Shah explained that obtaining masks was difficult at the onset of the pandemic; however, eventually appropriate PPE was available for all of the staff. 

Diagnostic radiology, particularly routine diagnostic imaging, significantly decreased during the shut down. Interventional radiology, however, continued. Interventional oncology procedures had to continue and remain on schedule as much as possible. Extra precautions were taken when working with covid positive patients. Protocols developed as time went on and having regular contact with other professionals in NY and NJ helped him prepare as cases in Berks county increased.

In terms of treating Covid-19 patients, it was best not to move covid positive patients from their rooms as much as possible. A smaller team from radiology would go to the patient’s room rather than moving the patient to another site. Hospitals across the country improved as time went on and providers learned more and more about treating so many facets of Covid-19. 

Dr. Shah recognized the fear and anxiety in patients and he and his staff were as compassionate and caring as possible. Dr. Shah has a very peaceful presence that is assuring and calming and healing. In terms of his own family, he is grateful for the schooling his children experienced through a hybrid program. 

The pandemic increased his understanding of how fragile life is, especially when he and his staff witnessed relatively healthy individuals struggle with covid and the unpredictability of the disease . He feels hand washing and masking are much more effective than we thought they would be and he notes that  mask wearing has helped lower the number of cases of influenza.  He is most grateful for the availability of vaccines and encourages everyone to get vaccinated to beat this deadly disease.