ECVDI Interview - Susanne Boroffka (2025)

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

I consider myself incredibly fortunate and deeply grateful to have become a radiologist. Many years ago, as I waited to begin my 3. Staatsexamen—the final and grueling exam series in Germany to become a veterinarian—I spontaneously decided to gain some hands-on experience at the Radiology Department in Berlin. I was welcomed under the guidance of Prof. Klaus Hartung and Dr. Beate Münzer.

Klaus and I immediately clicked. Over time, he became like a second father to me—a "Radiology father," if you will. I’ll never forget his pure joy when admiring a beautifully taken x-ray, nor his inspiring passion for teaching students and residents. After graduation, I returned to the department as a technician while working on my German doctoral thesis. That time was full of discovery and laughter. I learned not only how to take high-quality radiographs but also how to interpret them. We were fortunate to already have an automatic x-ray developer in our darkroom—a real luxury back then!

Klaus often shared fascinating, often humorous, tales from past Radiology congresses, which sparked my interest in attending the IVRA Congress in Veldhoven, hosted by Utrecht and Ghent. There, I was warmly welcomed by some of the most respected names in the field—Dr. Kees Dik, Dr. Johann Lang, Dr. Bernd Tellhelm, Dr. Kevin Kealy, Dr. Baryl Diery, and Dr. Mike Bernstein. What struck me most was how genuinely open and inclusive the atmosphere was. Though I wasn’t even a resident yet, I never felt like I didn’t belong. There was such a vibrant mix of professional depth and laughter—exactly what radiology has always been for me. My hope is to pass that same energy and spirit on to the next generation.

Sometime later, Klaus received a letter from Kees Dik, inquiring if he knew anyone interested in a radiology residency in Utrecht. Without hesitation, I applied. That was in September. By January, I still hadn’t heard back, so I decided to begin an internship in Bern under the mentorship of Dr. Johann Lang. The Bern team was fantastic—I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dr. Renate Bürger, Dr. Valerie Schmid, Johann, and the broader group across imaging, internal medicine, neurology, and surgery.

At that point, I’d set my mind on completing a residency in Bern. But then the unexpected happened: I was invited for an interview in Utrecht. Val and Johann strongly encouraged me to go, especially since there were no residency positions available in Bern. So, I took the train to Utrecht and was met with friendliness by Prof. Kees Dik, whom I had already met at the IVRA congress. Dr. George Voorhout was part of the selection committee, while Dr. Pim Wolvekamp was away on vacation.

It was an eye-opening interview. At the time, the structure of a formal residency wasn't widely established, and I had only a vague idea of what I was getting into. Also, I was not in the happiest phase of my life, so when asked whether I truly wanted to become a radiologist, I answered honestly—yes, that was my goal, but if I couldn't find work afterward, I’d have to explore other options, since I had no wealthy parents or partner. Little did I know how thriving the field of radiology would become!

Despite my candid reply, I was selected to start my residency in Utrecht—and that marked the beginning of my incredible journey into Diagnostic Imaging.

My residency was a formative and fulfilling time—though far from easy. Despite the demanding workload, there was always space to walk into the OR, ICU, or pathology to compare my imaging findings with the real ‘thing’. I feel truly fortunate to have been guided by these three totally different radiologists whose mentorship shaped me profoundly and also taught me to be flexible adapting to each personality. Their expectations were high, and at times it was a real challenge not to buckle under the pressure, but then I wanted to become a good radiologist. I was also lucky to have amazing co-residents; we shared not only the workload but plenty of laughter and experiences with each other, our supervisors, and the wider clinical team.

In 1998, I became a diplomate, finally earning the 'driving license' of a radiologist. What followed were many good years—alongside a few tougher ones—at Utrecht University. Those years molded me into the radiologist I am today. I loved the clinical work, creating teaching materials, the teaching of students and residents and engaging in research. The university setting offered a rich mix of all three—provided you could carve out the time.

Pursuing my PhD was another incredible opportunity, one that I thoroughly enjoyed. While developing educational content, I discovered IMAIOS and connected with Dr. Antoine Micheau, the visionary behind it. This chance encounter led to the creation of IMAIOS Vetanatomy—another lucky turn in my journey.

A year in Davis, California, further broadened my perspective. It was an immensely rewarding professional experience, working alongside brilliant minds like Dr. Alison Zwingenberger, Dr. Rachel Pollard, Dr. Sarah Puchalski, and Dr. Erik Wisner—not to mention the fantastic resident team I’m still in touch with to this day. Our time in Davis was a full-blown family adventure. We learned to appreciate the American lifestyle, the kids learned fluent English, and we explored the breathtaking landscapes of the region. Most of all, it gave us the gift of real quality time together as a family.

In 2016, I embarked on a new chapter ‘Boroffka Diagnostic Imaging’, leaving the university setting behind. I now work as a clinical radiologist at a specialist clinic in Utrecht and a teleradiologist for several clinics. It’s been refreshing to return to hands-on radiology with far less administrative burden. I continue to train a resident, pursue research, and am deepening my skills in imaging for exotic animals—a fascinating area that keeps my curiosity alive.

This new phase in my career also gave me the opportunity to dedicate time to contributing to the ECVDI College. I truly enjoy the work I do within the college, and being entrusted by the diplomates to serve as their president was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed me to give back to the College from which I have gained—and continue to gain—so much.

🩻 What is your practice and work day like?

Currently, I work three days a week at a Specialist Center for Small Animals, where I focus primarily on performing ultrasound examinations for patients referred both by our in-house specialists and external veterinarians. In between, I interpret CT scans, consult on clinical cases, and collaborate on imaging and therapeutic plans.

For the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of training Bas Wetzels alongside Dr. Maartje Vastenburg and Dr. Ilse Tiemessen as he works toward becoming a radiologist himself.

The rest of the week—including weekends sometimes—I dedicate to other professional challenges: teaching diagnostic imaging, following my growing passion for working with zoo veterinarians, reading CT, MRI, and radiographic studies, working on College responsibilities (like writing this interview 😊), and stay involved in various research projects.

❤️‍🔥 Your favourite imaging modality? (And why?)

That is a very difficult question. I love all techniques and especially the combination of all the techniques, mainly to be able to compare and learn to use the different techniques compatibly. If I really have to choose, it would be ultrasonography. I just love being in contact with the patient, owner and clinician, to be actually ably to look into the body of a living patient, will always be fascinating for me.

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

That’s also a very difficult question. When I began my residency, I never imagined that radiology would evolve into what it is today—an even more exciting and dynamic field than I had anticipated.

I didn’t foresee the rapid pace of development. And if that trajectory continues, it’s hard to say where we’ll be even ten years from now. That uncertainty brings both excitement and concern. I believe it’s crucial for radiologists to reevaluate their roles and how they define their specialization. If we don't, there's a real risk of being gradually replaced by AI technologies.

What worries me most is the increasing invisibility of radiologists. If this trend continues, there’s a danger that our colleagues may begin to overlook the vital role we play in diagnosing and managing patient care. Our presence and expertise are integral to the clinical process, and I hope that remains recognized as our field continues to evolve.

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

There are two pieces of advice I’d give my younger self as a resident.

The first is something I credit to Dr. Alison Zwingenberger: keep a journal. Document your day-to-day experiences during residency. It may sound simple, but it’s such a powerful tool to reflect on your growth, remember meaningful cases, and track your progress over time. I wish I had done that more consistently.

The second is my own wholehearted recommendation: do more externships—not just in diagnostic imaging but across other departments. Immersing yourself in how different specialists think and work is incredibly valuable. It's not only about expanding your medical knowledge but about gaining a better understanding of why certain diagnostic or therapeutic decisions are made. That perspective builds mutual respect and strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration, which is essential in patient care.

🎉 What do you like to do for fun?

There so many things that are fun to do and it’s shifted depending on the stage of life I was in. I truly cherish spending time with our children, my partner, family, and friends—whether we’re traveling, reading, visiting a spa, enjoying a massage, sharing meals and drinks, laughing, crying, or simply being together.

And then there are those peaceful moments, like heading out for a long walk with our wonderfully crazy dog, Bacio.

✨ What have you always wanted to do but never done?

Visit the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Congo or Uganda.

🧠 Favourite quote or words to live by?

Carpi diem.

🧵 Please complete the following sentences…

I usually start my day with a hug of my partner and a large cup of latte macchiato. Then a big lick of Bacio which used to be a big hug of my kids, but they have flown the nest now.

The time of my residency was amazing, challenging, fun, exciting, special, educational, I loved it.

If I had more time I would specialize more in exotic animals, so much to learn.

Sometimes I ask myself why we humans cannot live in peace together?

I solve problems by trying to find a solution that works for both sides.

Teaching is amazing and fun if my opposite is interested and motivated. One of my great pleasures in life is, to share my knowledge and to motivate the young generation to become as passionate about diagnostic imaging as I am.

🖼️ My favourite image *(MRI, CT, US, Rads)*

The atomic bomb sternum, please never let that happen again.