A Glimpse Into Hudson Imaging and the World of Radiology With Dr. David Wicklund - Transcribed

[00:00:00] Pete Waggoner: Welcome to the optimal health podcast from Hudson physicians, getting you back to optimal health when you're feeling sick, stressed, overwhelmed, or run down. Joining us today on the optimal health podcast is Dr. David Wicklund from Minneapolis radiology. Who by the way is teaming up in a joint effort with Hudson physicians and creating a new company called Hudson Imaging that will be part of the new, big opening coming up in, I believe it's January of 2023. 

[00:00:33] We're looking forward to having all of the services there for Hudson physicians, including the newly formed Hudson imaging, Dr. Wickman's expertises in neuroradiology, MRI, and diagnostic therapeutic spine injections.

[00:00:47] He received his undergraduate. And medical education at the university of Minnesota and the university of Minnesota medical school, respectively, Dr. Wicklund's internship was at the Henne county medical center and his residency and [00:01:00] fellowship in neuroradiology was at the university of Washington in Seattle.

[00:01:04] He brings a long resume in the area. And knows a lot about what's happening. So the folks, if the Hudson, physicians area in the St Croix valley area and Western Wisconsin are very fortunate to have this unique partnership. So first of all, Dr Icklan, thanks for joining us here today. I know things are very tight for you, so we appreciate it.

[00:01:25] Dr. David Wicklund: Pete, thanks for having me on. We're excited to be available here. 

[00:01:28] Pete Waggoner: So let's just start first a little bit about you. I always like to find out what Dr. I, I usually hear the same things pretty much. What drives people to medicine or what gets them there. So can you tell us a little bit about your background?

[00:01:40] What puts you in the direction of wanting to get into medicine and then more specifically the path to your expertise? 

[00:01:47] Dr. David Wicklund: Sure, Pete. So my dad was an ophthalmologist, an eye. Growing up with three sisters, it was kind of all we knew. We would spend time with him at the hospital. We would go to his office when he was on call, play in the secretaries area with post-it notes and [00:02:00] markers while he was seeing his patients.

[00:02:02] It was kind of all I knew. Going through school, I decided to go into medical school. I didn't know exactly which area of medicine I wanted to concentrate in. I decided that ophthalmology was not the. But radiology offered me a lot of different things that I liked. Number one, great technology. We've got all the latest and greatest machinery to image all parts of the body.

[00:02:23] Number two, you see a great breadth of cases basically. So not only the very sick people in the hospital, people that aren't as sick coming in as outpatients with knee pain, joint pain, back pain and you get a chance to actually be the doctor's Doctor. So we confer our opinion on what we're seeing to other physicians in an effort to help everybody.

[00:02:45] Pete Waggoner: So in a lot of your situations someone might see their general physician who will then say, you know, we need to take a deeper look at this and then really the patient is turned over to you and your group. And then depending upon the [00:03:00] layers of what it is, you can deal with that. I'm really curious when we get into that portion of this discussion on the podcast to hear about the cool technology. I think that's gotta be something that's really fun to be a part of. 

[00:03:13] But what I'm curious to know is as far as learning what that is, do you need to have some level of I don't know, if it's education or do you have your eyes and ears open as a group to learn and decide, you know, we need to get into this, and this is a great piece of technology.

[00:03:30] How are you alerted and aware of what the new stuff is? 

[00:03:34] Dr. David Wicklund: Great question. I'll back up just a little bit and just say a lot of the questions we get as radiologists are, what exactly do you people do? You know, I'll get a question. Are you a person who treats patients with radiation for their cancer?

[00:03:48] Well, no, that's a radiation oncologist. A separate field. Okay. Well then are you the person who actually greets me at the door and takes my images in an MRI machine or a cat? No, those are the, the highly skilled folks who actually create, [00:04:00] get the images for us, the technologists. 

[00:04:02] We are the imaging experts, the doctors who look at all the images that are generated and come to a conclusion as to what is happening to the, that part of the body.

[00:04:12] We do get specialized training, just like all other doctors. We go to medical school for four. And then we spend anywhere between oh four to six more years after getting trained specifically in imaging. 

[00:04:24] There has been a lot of technology change over the last, let's say 20 to 30 years in particular. You know, even when I was in training 20 plus years ago, MRI was only about 10 years old CT really took off maybe 10 years, 15 years prior to that. So there have been vast advances in imaging since you know, that time. 

[00:04:46] We as a group, certainly keep our, you know, finger to the pulse of what's happening. Cause there are always new advancements. We go to conferences to see the new technology and we have to decide, is it really worth pursuing at this time? Certain things that we're looking at [00:05:00] now, not so much new machinery, but things like artificial intelligence to guide our diagnoses, things like that, that are really on the cutting edge.

[00:05:09] Pete Waggoner: That's absolutely incredible. You sparked about five questions for me here, so , I'll go easy. But one of the things that I've always just as you hear the terms, MRI, CT scans, right? What are the difference between those two? 

[00:05:22] Dr. David Wicklund: Sure. So CT stands for computed tomography. It's basically a special x-ray. It does use radiation. The machines generate x-rays in a sort of a circular or helical motion that spins around your body and acquires 'em in a very fast pace. And then that data can be reconstructed in all kinds of different planes or angles to view the body. 

[00:05:46] Pete Waggoner: So is it almost like, sorry, I didn't mean to jump in. Is it like it's three dimensional that way then? Is that kind of what it is? 

[00:05:50] Dr. David Wicklund: Correct? Yeah. MRI is different. It stands for magnetic resonance. There is no radiation involved in MRI. What it is is a super cooled [00:06:00] magnet of varying strengths. And you lie down on a table. That's just like a CT scanner table.

[00:06:06] But the magnet and the radiofrequency pulses that are generated by the machine excite atoms in your body for lack of a better word to kinda line up in a certain way. And relax at a certain speed. And the machine can compute how that relaxation is occurring and generate again, three dimensional images from that.

[00:06:27] Again, there's no radiation involved with MRI. 

[00:06:30] Pete Waggoner: So has the quality of imaging that you're dealing with from day one to today, I assume, you know, having heard you kind of mentioned earlier, it must be tenfold better and make your job much easier. 

[00:06:45] Dr. David Wicklund: It definitely improves every year. With CT, I would say the thrust has been not only on image quality improvement, but in reducing that radiation dose as much as possible.

[00:06:55] So these days we're able to generate really high quality images with a fraction of the [00:07:00] dose of radiation that used to be used, you know, 15, 20 years ago. MRI, the field strength has gone up a little bit. So the stronger the magnetic field, better resolution images. So those are kind of two of the ways that things have been changing for the better.

[00:07:15] Pete Waggoner: That is incredible. And I just imagine the, the level of expertise on every component. You mentioned the people that greet you at the door and get you through the process to what, where you're at and all of that. Everything has to come together to make this work. And, you know, I mean, I think about when we were, when I was younger, for sure, you know, mid seventies and two, 10 years old, there was no way that really was existing.

[00:07:41] If it was, it was an incredible crude fashion. So when you really think in time, how things have evolved in 40 years in all components of medicine. It's pretty incredible. 

[00:07:51] So the question I have for you is in terms of the technology that's utilized with what you do, how much is that improving [00:08:00] and increasing the patient's probability of getting better quicker?

[00:08:08] Dr. David Wicklund: Well, I think maybe in a couple different ways, one the technology is just much more widely available. So as an example, setting up a freestanding imaging center with Hudson, as an example, we can have all the different imaging modalities available to that patient population. So your ability to actually get scanned and diagnose more quickly, hopefully will get you on the road to improvement more quickly.

[00:08:33] Pete Waggoner: So. if I were to come to you, I'm obviously this is all referral, correct. This isn't the type of thing where you come and say, Hey, my knee sore, can you take a look at it? I'd assume this is a referral based from a physician type of scenario, correct? 

[00:08:45] Dr. David Wicklund: That's correct. Yep. 

[00:08:46] Pete Waggoner: Okay. So then in terms of your relationship, it obviously makes sense that for you to grow your business, you wanna be connected to general physicians and practitioners and things like that.

[00:08:56] So how did the whole evolution come about [00:09:00] with hudson physicians to create Hudson imaging? 

[00:09:04] Dr. David Wicklund: Yeah. Great question. So our group is sort of a medium sized group based out of the Minneapolis St. Paul area in min, Minnesota, mainly our CEO and the CEO of Hudson physicians know each other going back for several years.

[00:09:18] And I think at the time that Hudson physicians was thinking about developing this great new office center that they're that they've got coming online, they were looking imaging to be in house and specifically a group that could provide them personalized services. And we, that's kind of one of the things we pride ourselves on. That was sort of the background.

[00:09:38] Pete Waggoner: So then obviously, you know, the one thing that I've noticed about Matt Brandt and the crew at Hudson physicians, they're really going after all of the bases here. And I think for the community, it's such an incredible spot where you can almost get everything done within one building.

[00:09:55] I don't know if that's a trend in, in the industry, but it certainly looks like it should [00:10:00] be. Is this a newer kind of concept or is this type of thing popping up around the country?

[00:10:05] Dr. David Wicklund: I think there are different iterations all over the place, but this is definitely at least a somewhat of a trend groups getting bigger conglomerating or at least sort of focusing their services in one specific area is probably a bit of a trend.

[00:10:19] But it's different all across the country. 

[00:10:21] Pete Waggoner: Absolutely. And to see it in one spot, I would be thrilled if, if I was in the area, that's absolutely terrific there. So another question for you in this regard, how much of your team will be, you know, located in the maple Grove, Plymouth area, in the Minneapolis side of things and rotating back and forth.

[00:10:41] Are you looking to hire people? Are you adding people? How are you gonna service the new expanded business. 

[00:10:48] Dr. David Wicklund: Yep. So again, sort of, we pride ourselves on our personalized service. So one of the things that we are going to be doing is having a radiologist on premises every day, during the [00:11:00] week, during the course of the work day, so that there's always somebody with boots on the ground to answer any questions or concerns, whether it's from a patient, a technologist, or one of the referring physicians who may or may not be on site.

[00:11:10] We have hired a couple of new doctors. We've got multiple people that are able to obviously go out there already, but we wanna make sure that we're adequately covering our practice, not only at Hudson, but everywhere else. 

[00:11:22] And then one of the beautiful things about radiology is, using technology for lack of a better word, to ship images across our network so that the most qualified people can read the individual studies. So we are a subspecialize group. Most of us have done fellowships in one area or another. And so we try and pick the best person to interpret that studies to best serve the patient. 

[00:11:45] Pete Waggoner: Boy, that's fantastic. So, you know, with technology and the able ability as a great term used to ship it digitally to be able to be in different locations, to look at it, and then you can drill down to those that are specific to that [00:12:00] area, even better for the patient.

[00:12:01] That's a super terrific benefit for all indeed. So now you, you, you also participate in some vein services, is that correct?

[00:12:11] Dr. David Wicklund: We do. We operate an independent vein center in Plymouth, Minnesota currently. 

[00:12:15] Pete Waggoner: And what type of services does that entail? 

[00:12:18] Dr. David Wicklund: So we do ablation for varicose veins and that kind of thing. Other cosmetic services, spider veins the whole gamut of, of Venus services. 

[00:12:26] Pete Waggoner: Wow. Okay. So is that gonna be available in Hudson or is that just straight in Plymouth? 

[00:12:30] Dr. David Wicklund: Currently in Plymouth we haven't decided to do any sort of Venus work at the opening anyways, out in Hudson, but it's something we can certainly look at.

[00:12:38] Pete Waggoner: When you look back at your career and, it's all you've known, as you said, I love the story about your dad's office and, and being around it.

[00:12:45] Has this been what you've expected and, or more, and can you kind of share what you've received out of the business as well? 

[00:12:54] Dr. David Wicklund: Yeah, it's really been great for me. I've enjoyed. I've been in practice now, 17, almost 18 years. [00:13:00] Every year I learn something new, some new experiences happen, whether they're positive or negative, something like COVID is obviously not a positive for me, but we learn from our experiences and it's all been great for me.

[00:13:12] I'm still happy to be working and I plan to do so for quite a bit longer. 

[00:13:15] Pete Waggoner: That's great. When it doesn't feel like work, it's not work. 

[00:13:18] So if someone can say that that's a blessing for sure. If you were to provide a message to the listeners of optimal health in the area, what would that be about what they can look forward to from your company and how can they be assured and feel good about what's going on?

[00:13:33] Dr. David Wicklund: Sure. Well, I will say that a couple weeks ago, I actually did a site visit at the new building. It's beautiful from the outside, even though it's not even completed. The new Hudson imaging center is right inside of the main door, easy access, lots of parking, walk in, there'll be friendly people there.

[00:13:47] It's a state of the art, very modern place, but very comfortable. And we've got all of the up to date imaging modalities going in. So from x-ray to DEXA scans, which is a measurement of your bone density, [00:14:00] ultrasound, CT, MRI, all the modalities are covered. And we're gonna have experts, not only Manning those areas, but interpreting the images that are generated.

[00:14:09] So I think the patients can feel very comfortable that they'll be in good hands with us. 

[00:14:13] Pete Waggoner: That is fantastic. Obviously they'll be part of the Hudson physicians group and the new building coming up. But for now, if someone wanted to learn more about your business and what you have going on at Minneapolis, radiology, what's the best way for someone to look.

[00:14:29] Dr. David Wicklund: Yeah, probably just go online. Our web address is https://www.mplsrad.com/. All our information is there including phone numbers, if there are further questions. So. 

[00:14:39] Pete Waggoner: Well, that's great stuff. So we appreciate everything that you do for all. And looking very much forward to having your team be a part of the team at Hudson physicians coming up in 2023.

[00:14:49] It's very soon it's around the bend. It's flying by. Isn't it. It's good stuff. So thanks for joining us, Dr. Wicklund, and thanks for all you do. 

[00:14:57] Dr. David Wicklund: Yeah. Thanks for having me. We're looking forward to it. 

[00:14:59] Pete Waggoner: [00:15:00] That's Dr. David Wicklund. He's from Minneapolis radiology. Soon to be Hudson imaging, as well as Hudson physicians in that one big group. 

[00:15:09] That's gonna do it for today's edition of the optimal health podcast for Dr. Wicklund. 

[00:15:14] I'm Pete Waggoner. So long everybody.