S1 E10: Inside Radiology: MRIs, CTs, AI, and Early Detection With Dr. Sheil Shah
Meet our guest Dr. Sheil Shah of Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Dr. Shah is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist with Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital and Medstar Health system in the Washington, D.C. area. He earned his medical degree from Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his internship at Sinai-Grace Hospital, and finished his radiology residency at the Detroit Medical Center with Wayne State University.
Today, he brings a practical, patient-centered perspective to radiology and a passion for helping people better understand their health.
Episode Summary
On this episode of The DBT Podcast, host Dr. Neel Shah sits down with, Dr. Sheil Shah, a radiologist practicing in Washington, D.C., to explore how modern imaging has transformed medicine. Dr. Sheil Shah brings deep clinical experience with MRI, CT, ultrasound, and image-guided procedures, and his work sits at the intersection of technology, early detection, and patient-centered care.
Together, they trace the extraordinary evolution of radiology—from a time before CT scans and MRIs existed to today's high-resolution imaging, minimally invasive biopsies, and the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence. Their conversation is filled with practical insights for patients, fascinating historical context, and an entertaining family debate about height and basketball skills.
• How CT scans and MRIs revolutionized medicine in just 50 years
• The story of how magnets came to be used to look inside the human body
• Risks, benefits, and misconceptions about MRI—including incidental findings
• Why modern imaging “cuts” provide clearer, more precise diagnoses
• Whether imaging costs are likely to decrease in the near future
• How AI is transforming radiology—from pre-scanning images to drafting reports
• The role of imaging in cancer detection and where full-body MRI fits in
• CT vs. MRI: What they are, when each is used, and how radiation exposure actually compares to everyday life
• Why contrast dye is used in certain scans and how biopsies have become safer and less invasive
• The three screenings every patient should know about
• A fun and personal moment as the two Dr. Shahs compare basketball skills and talk Detroit sports
Episode Highlights
(1:30) 50 years ago Ct scans and MRIs didn’t exist. How have they made such a big difference is medicine today?
(4:08) How was it discovered that magnets could be used to look inside the human body? Dr. Shah explains.
(5:45) Are there any downsides to having an MRI? How and when should you have one? What about incidental findings?
(10:25) Sr. Shah explains the cuts that can now be done for even better diagnoses.
(11:58) Will the cost of these test decrease soon?
(14:15) How will AI effect the future or radiology? What radiology platform 18:25)do many radiologists use today to help ”pre-scan” images and alert a doctor?
(18:25) What about diagnosing cancer?
(19:27) The Dr. Shahs talk about their height and who’s better on a basketball court? It’s all in the family! Then they talk Detroit Lions basketball!
(22:57) What are CT scans and how are they different from an MRI? And…Dr. Shah talks radiation and explains everyday exposures.
(31:52) Listen to the three important screenings, and why dye/contrast is used for certain screenings and how biopsies have evolved in the last few years.
The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.
