“It is very satisfying to know that with my knowledge and commitment, I make a difference to my patients, the staff I work with, and the community.”
Giles Seuferer, RN, Director of Surgical Services
Radiology: Meet Radiologist, Dr. Ashraf
Specialty: Radiology
Medical School:
Osmania Medical College
Hyderabad, India
Radiology Residency:
Yale University School of Medicine and Affiliated Hospitals
New Haven, CT
Fellowship:
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA
Spring 2004
Mahaska Hospital Radiologist, Dr. Akhtar Ashraf, started his medical career as an internal medicine physician. In 1979 he changed his mind.
"There were a lot of technological changes in the 1970s and early 1980s," said Dr. Ashraf. "Many of the changes were in the areas of MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging."
Dr. Ashraf had a lot of interest in the field of radiology. He decided to pursue a career in the specialized field of medicine.
"Radiology is an extremely important specialty," said Ashraf. "It is where the diagnosis is made."
From July 1979 to June 1982 he completed his residency in diagnostic radiology at Yale University School of Medicine in Connecticut. Then, from July 1982 to June 1983 he finished a fellowship in ultrasound and body CT at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in California.
After his training, Dr. Ashraf held numerous positions at the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine. These positions included medical director of the ultrasound school of medicine, chief of diagnostic radiology, head of the division of ultrasound and body CT, and assistant professor of diagnostic radiology.
For the last 15 years Dr. Ashraf had been practicing medicine at Mahaska Hospital.
"This is an excellent hospital to practice in," said Dr. Ashraf. "The radiology department is very progressive."
In the past year Dr. Ashraf has been a key player in determining what new technology Mahaska Hospital should purchase for the radiology department. The new technology includes a state-of-the-art ultrasound, MRI, and CT scanner.
"To have a state-of-the art MRI machine in a community this size is a great asset," said Ashraf. "It is such a great diagnostic tool for us as physicians to help provide superior health care for our patients."
Dr. Ashraf says the technology in the Mahaska Hospital Radiology Department is a great community asset.
"Residents in the community no longer have to travel elsewhere for their medical imaging needs," said Ashraf.