One of Us: Zeiad Hussain, M.D.
One of Us is a series that provides a glimpse into the working world of USA Health, one employee at a time.
What is your job? What does it entail?
I am an assistant professor in interventional radiology. My position entails a range of procedures and techniques that rely on the use of radiological image guidance (X-ray fluoroscopy, ultrasound or computed tomography [CT]) to precisely target therapy. Most interventional radiology treatments are minimally invasive alternatives to open and laparoscopic surgery. As many IR procedures start with passing a needle through the skin to the target, IR sometimes is called pinhole surgery.
There is hardly any area of hospital medicine in which IR has not had some impact on patient management. The range of conditions that can be treated by IR continually is expanding. This includes arterial and venous diseases, cancers in the liver, kidneys and other organs, benign prostate hypertrophy, uterine fibroids and many other elective and emergency conditions. IR also plays a role in the management of certain trauma cases because University Hospital is the only level one trauma center in the region.
What is your favorite or most rewarding part of your position?
I feel that the care of the acutely ill or those with complex medical conditions, and the important investment of time and knowledge to get it right, are what interests me most and are areas in which the art of medicine still persists. The most rewarding part is seeing my patients getting better and going back to their normal lives, whether this is after an emergency intervention or a routine outpatient procedure.
What originally made you want to join USA Health?
USA Health is a vibrant health system that strives for clinical excellence and provides a wide range of advanced medical treatments and patient-centered care for various conditions.
How long have you been with USA Health?
Two years and four months. I started with USA Health in November 2018.
What has working with USA Health taught you?
The devotion to excellent patient care with no discrimination, and the importance of teamwork to achieve that.
Do you have any goals that you want to achieve in the health system?
My goals are to expand the range of services provided by interventional radiology at USA Health and make it readily accessible to all patients. Also, I would like to increase the awareness about the role of IR in patient care among non-hospital care providers and patients.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime outside of work?
Travelling across the world, visiting new places and learning about new cultures are my passions. Of course, this is on hold now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, I spend my free time nowadays reading, exercising and playing tennis with my kids.
Do you have any advice for people who want to work in the health system?
The patient’s best interest should always be your priority, and patient-centered care and evidence-based medicine are the means to achieve that.
