Q&A With Dr. John Nwankwo, Neuroradiologist
Dr. John Ikechi Nwankwo is a neuroradiologist, specializing in the search of anatomical abnormalities in the brain. This specific field uses radiologic technology to assist doctors with the diagnosis of diseases. He takes great pride in his ability to visualize the brain and develop the right approach for each patient’s condition and situation.
Dr. Nwankwo received a Bachelor of Science from the University of San Francisco, with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. During this time, he also spent a year abroad at Oxford in England. After a year in research, he received his M.D. from Johns Hopkins and completed his residency through New York Medical College at St. Vincent Hospital.
Dr. Nwankwo keeps a busy schedule at work and in his free time, spending many days playing both soccer and basketball with several local leagues. He also travels frequently and enjoys learning new recipes.
With there being so many different areas of medicine to choose from, what do you specialize in and what made you choose that field?
My specialty is neuroradiology, which is the study of the brain through radiologic technology. I have always had a fascination with the construct of things, how one part fits with another and how they work together. When I was thinking about my career options, one of the other fields I’d considered was architecture. When I decided on the medical field, I knew what would best suit me was something that involved the structure of the body. Radiology is that field and neuroradiology is specifically looking at the brain.
The brain in and of itself is just an amazing architectural design. If a patient has something going on that affects a specific part of the brain, we can predict how it will affect the rest of the body. We look for and help diagnose those things. You have to have an understanding of how the brain works, with all the different areas and how they all work together.
It’s this design that sparks my interest. The whole process of learning what the brain does, which section controls which part of the body, it’s all fascinating to me. Being able to review the findings of a test and see the specific pathology of a disease is an experience.
What parts of your job do you find most challenging?
Finding what we are looking for is the challenge, but I enjoy the search. Learning the pathology of the disease, where the source may be and how it’s affecting the patient. This is all part of the search and it’s as challenging as it is rewarding to locate. Once you find the source, you’re able to determine the right treatment plan for the patient and get them on the road to recovery.
What do find most enjoyable?
I enjoy what I do, overall. I’d have to say the most enjoyable part is the same as what is the most challenging. It’s seeing those connections in the brain. It’s seeing how different parts of the brain work and how each part works with another. It’s like mapping a computer whose function is to control the whole body.
My role in helping to diagnose the issue is an important one. I don’t think I’d be as satisfied in another field. I enjoy working directly with the patients at a time when they are in need of answers. Once the test is done, I contact the ordering physician and give them the results and we discuss the next steps for the patient.
Do you as a doctor have any weakness or strengths?
My strengths are my training and experience. When I am working with a patient, it is my experience that guides me where I need to focus. The benefit of knowing how each section of the brain affects the body allows us to know what radiologic testing will yield the most information. We work in a specialty that can be time sensitive, and having the knowledge of where to look based on symptoms is so important to giving the best diagnosis for the patient.
I also believe my ability to work with the referring doctor in a given situation is an asset.
What do you consider to be unique and different skills that you have, as a doctor?
I believe my interest in architecture and art has actually helped me be a better doctor. I’ve spent hours drawing and studying architecture and I can see how things fit together in mind. What drew me to neuroradiology is that specific anatomy and how it all works together. I think this allows me to see things with a little different perspective than others in my field.
Do you find it hard to separate your work from your personal life? Is there something specific that helps you do that?
In my capacity, it’s not as hard for that separation. While I assist with a specific diagnosis, I am not the physician that will be following up long term with the patient. Generally, the primary care doctor will refer a patient to a specialist and then that specialist will send the patient to us for testing. We provide results and help come up with the best treatment plan, but it’s the specialist and PCP who continue the care. If the patient has any questions, they’ll usually contact them before us.
My area allows for a mostly normal schedule, though we do have rotating on-call availability also. This allows a decent work/life balance for our team, so I don’t think it’s as hard for us to keep work and personal life separate as it may be for other specialties.
What is a trend in your field that you are excited about?
Artificial intelligence is being researched heavily right now to provide assistance with diagnosis. That’s a pretty exciting possibility and I’ve heard there has been success already with common issues, like locating tumors or hemorrhages in the brain. It’s definitely something I’m going to keep my eye on and I’m excited at the positive impacts it may have on my field.
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