Department of Radiology

About Us

About Us

The Medical City’s Department of Radiology offers a wide array of educational and clinical service programs with a commitment to develop and disseminate subspecialty expertise.

The Department consists of different sections namely General Radiology, CT-MRI, Ultrasound, Breast Imaging and Interventional Radiology.

Services

General Radiology

In general radiology, X-rays are used to image different parts of the body. These are stored in digital format and may be viewed from a computer screen or printed on film. Diagnostic X-rays involve exposure of patients to ionizing radiation and should only be performed under the supervision of a physician with the necessary training in radiation protection to optimize examination safety. The Diagnostic Radiology section performs diagnostic X-rays of the chest, abdomen, extremities, spine, and skull as well as fluoroscopic barium studies of the gastrointestinal system and genitourinary system, such as excretory urography (Intravenous Pyelography) and voiding cystourethrograms. Other specialized procedures also performed are pelvimetry, sialograms, catheter angiograms, venograms, fistulograms, cholangiograms and image-guided interventional procedures.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to image different sections of the body in real time based on the acoustic properties of the different tissues. Ultrasound does not involve radiation and can be safely performed on children and pregnant women.

The applications of diagnostic ultrasound technology include but are not limited to:

Thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic ultrasound

Obstetric and gynecological ultrasound

Renal and retroperitoneal ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound (carotid, abdominal, intracranial for pediatric patients, peripheral arterial, and peripheral venous studies, including pulsed, power, and color Doppler)

Neurosonography (pediatrics)

Guidance of interventional and therapeutic procedures

Intraoperative ultrasound

Evaluation of superficial structures such as breast, breast elastography, thyroid, testicle, skin, etc.

Endoluminal ultrasound (transvaginal and transrectal)

Musculoskeletal ultrasound

Computerized Tomography

Computerized tomography (CT) is a radiologic modality that provides axial images that may be reconstructed into sagittal, coronal, or 3D formats. This provides detailed clinical information in the detection, differentiation, and demarcation of disease. Like diagnostic X-rays, CT is a form of medical imaging that involves the exposure of patients to ionizing radiation. It should only be performed under the supervision of a physician with the necessary training in radiation protection to optimize examination safety. Radiation physicists and trained technical staff must also be available during the procedure.

CT examinations should be performed only for a valid medical reason and with the minimum exposure that provides the image quality necessary for adequate diagnostic information.

Routine CT studies are the following (these may be plain or contrast-enhanced):

Head CT, including facial, paranasal sinus, temporal and orbital CT scans

Neck CT

Chest CT

Abdomen CT

CT of the Extremities

Specialized CT imaging procedures include:

CT angiography

Coronary angiography

CT Virtual colonoscopy

CT Virtual bronchoscopy

Orthopedic 3D volume/surface-rendered images

CT perfusion

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a multiplanar imaging method based on an interaction between radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields and certain nuclei in the body (usually hydrogen nuclei) after the body has been placed in a strong magnetic field. MRI differentiates between normal and abnormal tissues, providing a sensitive examination to detect disease. This sensitivity is based on the high degree of inherent contrast due to variations in the magnetic relaxation properties of different tissues – both normal and diseased – and the dependence of the MRI signal on these tissue properties.

Routine MRI procedures are the following (these may be plain or contrast-enhanced):

MRI of the Head, including sella and pituitary gland, orbit, and internal auditory canal

MRI of the Neck

MRI of the Chest and Mediastinum

MRI of the Abdomen

MRI of the Spine

Musculoskeletal MRI: These may focus on the different bones or joints. Typical musculoskeletal MRIs image the: Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hand, Pelvis, Hips, Knee, Ankle, and Foot

Specialized MRI procedures include:

MR angiography

MR spectroscopy

Breast MRI

Dynamic MRI imaging of the liver and pituitary gland

MR tractography

Cardiac MRI

Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology is minimally invasive surgery performed with the use of image guidance (CT scans, ultrasounds, and x-rays). Interventional Radiology is less invasive than standard surgery because procedures are performed by placing small catheters or specialized needles into blood vessels and internal organs through small (millimeters) incisions made in the skin. Combined with the use of image guidance, these procedures can be performed more safely. A large number and variety of procedures are performed by the interventional radiologist or radiology group.

Interventional Radiology procedures include:

Needle biopsies

Placement of different catheters for drainage purposes

Placement of a wide variety of central venous lines for dialysis, tumor therapy and the like

Embolization

Chemoembolization

Radiofrequency ablation

Angiography

Angioplasties or stent placement diagnosis

Treatment of venous disorders including varicosities and blood clots

Treatment of chronic pelvic pain in women

Treatment of uterine fibroids

Treatment of cerebral aneurysms and vascular malformations

Treatment of acute stroke through thrombolysis

Many other minimally invasive procedures

Breast Imaging Service

The Breast Imaging Service is located at TMC Breast Center, and is a multidisciplinary breast facility that incorporates breast imaging, breast surgery, breast oncology, and specialized nursing. All forms of image-guided breast biopsies and localizations, including mammographic, sonographic, and MRI-guided are performed by the Breast Imaging Service.

The radiologists in breast imaging enjoy a high degree of collaboration with other disciplines. The proximity to the clinics allows for improved communication and increased patient convenience. All breast imaging are interpreted and most of the image-guided biopsies are performed by the radiologists.

OTHER SERVICES

Radiology Residency Program

The Department of Radiology offers a comprehensive training program that is accredited by the Philippine College of Radiology. It consists of four years training for diagnostic radiology. The training program is designed to provide an effective and dynamic educational experience so that its graduates will acquire knowledge, skills and experience to practice radiology, pursue research or further specialization.

Ultrasound Fellowship Program

This six month fellowship training program has a broad, in-depth curriculum that covers all fundamentals of ultrasound imaging. The program is designed to provide the trainees with clinical and academic subspecialty training while working closely with the experts in other specialties.

Breast Imaging Fellowship Program

The Breast Imaging fellowship program is consistent with the Radiology Department’s aim to train radiology fellows to acquire competent skills, exemplary and vast knowledge in the subspecialty of choice.  This will also help the Cancer Center with its mission to serve as a resource center for cancer training that is relevant to the national needs and condition.  Current and relevant research output of the breast imaging fellows will further promote the research agenda of the Radiology Department and Cancer Center.  Graduates of the fellowship program may serve as a pool for imaging specialists dedicated to the Breast Center.

Vascular and Interventional Radiology Fellowship Program

Vascular and Interventional Radiology Fellowship Training Program is an intensive two-year course, structured to focus on the application of all forms of imaging, including fluoroscopy, digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography, ultrasonography, MRI, and other modalities included in the specialty of Radiology, to the performance of vascular and interventional procedures and interpretation of the results. The program also enhances the trainee’s knowledge regarding signs and symptoms of disorders amenable to diagnosis and/or treatment by percutaneous techniques.

The training program is organized to allow the fellows in training to take on an increasing level of responsibility throughout their fellowship reflecting their individual growth, clinical experience, and knowledge.  The Section of Vascular and Interventional Radiology provides an organized training program which provides close guidance and supervision of the fellows in training by the consultant staff, and which facilitates the trainees’ professional and personal development. Patient care and safety are of particular importance in both in-patient and ambulatory care settings.  Scholarly activities are emphasized, as the fellows in training are expected to engage in research and to assume responsibility for teaching and supervising residents and medical students.

CT-Scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fellowship Program

This one year fellowship training program has a broad, in-depth curriculum that covers all fundamentals of cross-sectional imaging as well as the basic interventional and angiographic aspects of imaging. The program is designed to provide the trainees with clinical and academic subspecialty training while working closely with the experts in other specialties. 

Our Team

Dr. Heidi Herminia C. Santos – Head, Department of Radiology

Dr. Frankie V. Fernandez - Executive Officer for Innovation

Dr. Catherine Jessica M. Lazaro - Executive Officer for Human Resource and Development

Dr. Romelito Jose G. Galsim - Head, Human Resource for Consultants

Dr. Carlos Joshua L. Espino - Head, Human Resource for Fellows

Dr. Michelle E. Ramos-Atienza - Head, Human Resource for Residents

Dr. Reza Maria K. Sales - Head, Human Resource for Interns and Medical Students

Dr. Kimberly U. Ang-Baluyut - Executive Officer for Operations / Head, Breast Imaging

Dr. Jose Emmanuel G. Flandes - Head, MRI Section

Dr. Irma A. Veroy - Head, CT Scan Section

Dr. Harold L. Tan - Head, X-ray Section

Dr. Jolly Jason S. Catibog - Head, Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Bethzaida Faylogna – Manager, Department of Radiology

Neuro Radiology

Dr. Alvin C. Camacho

Dr. Frankie V. Fernandez

Dr. Catherine Jessica M. Lazaro

Head and Neck

Dr. Carlos Joshua L. Espino

Dr. Frankie V. Fernandez

Dr. Jarold P. Pauig

Liver Transplant Imaging

Dr. Ronald G. Yebes

Dr. Romelito Jose G. Galsim

Dr. Irma A. Veroy

Vascular

Dr. Romelito Jose G. Galsim

Dr. Irma A. Veroy

Dr. Ronald G. Yebes

Dr. Harold L. Tan

Dr. Frankie V. Fernandez

Dr. Jarold P. Pauig

Dr. Jolly Jason S. Catibog

Musculoskeletal

Dr. Romelito Jose G. Galsim

Dr. Irma A. Veroy

Dr. Kimberly U. Ang-Baluyut

Dr. Frankie V. Fernandez

Dr. Dondee Jules P. Mojica

Dr. Heidi Herminia C. Santos

Dr. Stephanie Jennifer Pe

Dr. Jose Miguel Zamora

Pediatrics

Dr. Alvin C. Camacho

Dr. Jose Emmanuel G. Flandes

Cardiac Imaging

Dr. Harold L. Tan

Dr. Romelito Jose G. Galsim

Dr. Jaime S. Samaniego

Dr. Jose Emmanuel G. Flandes

Dr. Carlos Joshua L. Espino

Women’s Imaging

Dr. Kimberly U. Ang-Baluyut

Dr. Janeth Malabuyoc

Dr. Michelle E. Ramos-Atienza

Dr. Reza Maria K. Sales

Dr. Heidi Herminia C. Santos

Dr. Maria Christina Difuntorum-Antonio

Dr. Leya Suzette Evangelista-Espino

Dr. Ana Victoria Figueroa-Hinds

Dr. Annapil Natividad-Pe

Dr. Jasmin Marie Arzadon

Dr. Irish M. Ignacio

Interventional Radiology

Dr. Jolly Jason S. Catibog

Dr. Ramon Santos Ocampo

Dr. Victor Erwin D. Jocson

Dr. Timothy Joseph Orillaza

Dr. Cicero Matthew Habito

Dr. Catherine Jessica Lazaro

Dr. Jose Emmanuel Flandes

Interventional Neuroradiology

Dr. Victor Erwin D. Jocson