ECVDI Interview - Randi Drees (2018)

Tell us a bit about your path to becoming a radiologist.

I spent time sorting films away in a human hospital as a student worker in the Humboldt University Berlin, Germany. Soon I got to know the Radiology department and thought those were the coolest things ever happening there! Subsequently I started my thesis in the department in collaboration with the Anatomy department of the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, using the MRI scanner mostly in the middle of the night, and learned some basic ultrasound skills when working in practice thereafter, notably those skills were taught by two surgeons. Exploring options how to further my knowledge I spent several weeks at CSU with Sue Kraft and the radiology team. Seeing how work and teaching was conducted in the department applying for a residency was in order. Matching at UW Madison was the start for a fabulous training time and subsequent equally fun continuation as faculty as well as training in radiation oncology. 

What is your practice and work day like?

No day like the other in academia: Clinics, meetings, project administration of VNA implementation and tendering for equipment kept me busy recently besides teaching and research. I currently also serve on the ECVDI board as chair of the ROECC committee, establishing the radiation oncology specialty and training in Europe, and as president of the ACVR’s CT/MRI society. Both give me the amazing opportunity to work with many different colleagues around the world and help to provide new opportunities to move the specialties forward. 

Your favourite imaging modality?

Least favorite: Scintigraphy. 

How do you think veterinary radiology will change in 10 years time?

I hope there will be many active radiologists that are furthering patient care, client and referring vet education and research as well as teaching future generations of vets and radiologists. The skill of cross-specialty communication is gaining more and more importance, being able to facilitate a high-quality service and communication will hopefully emphasized further in future generations. 

What advice would you go back in time and give yourself when you were a resident?

Start playing hockey earlier during the residency. 

What do you like to do for fun?

Hike, dance, play with cat; wishing for the ponds to freeze over in the UK to play some pond hockey.  

Favourite quote or words to live by?

Just do it, and be kind to yourself. 

Please complete the following sentences…

I usually start my day with…a cat on my chest.  

The time of my residency was…..an amazing time to work with a lot of smart people, many of which have become good friends. 

If I had more time…I’d probably have more animals and build a rink in the garden. 

Sometimes I ask myself…why there is such a limited availability of skateable ice in the UK.  

I solve problems…usually in team work. 

Interactive teaching is…a better way to understand how differently individuals approach a subject. 

My favourite radiograph: 

Chamäleon on a kitchen spoon.