!nsights 

A monthly column from our consultants about a challenging case / topic in diagnostic radiology / interventional radiology / management strategies / evolving technologies / career path / Life lessons / artistic pursuit / any topic of general interest...

I am always put off by Radiology reports that are extensive, describing exhaustive details of intricate anatomy or elaborate descriptions of the tiniest degenerative process, especially when the conclusion again carries nearly half of the body of the report. Not that they are inaccurate, but the essence of the message is lost within the clutter of words. No wonder clinicians are only reading the ‘Impression’, even for concise and elegant reports, many times missing key data within the body of the report. 

The concept ‘Less is more’ was popularized by the famous German modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe through his minimalistic architectural style, which had more impact and beauty than excessive ornamentation. Have you ever wondered about the new home or office you purchased or moved in a decade ago, which looked beautiful then, but does not evoke quite the same feelings now? It has nothing to do with the flaking paint or the fading furniture sheen. Rather it is about the beauty of the ‘spaces’ that existed then, but which have been taken up by the myriad things that we have accumulated over the decade. 

'Minimalism' also helps us to be more mindful of our time. Do we burden ourselves with more appointments, activities and meetings and spread ourselves thin or do we choose to do less but with more awareness and intensity? Some of the successful Radiology entrepreneurs out there face a choice. Do I need to open another branch for my scan center or should I make the existing one more efficient and patient friendly? Is bigger better? Or is there truth in the adage ‘Less is more’?

The answers to the above questions may not really be straightforward. But there is great value in striving for simplicity in all our endeavours, be it small or big. Our young Radiology Residents need to master this art of simplifying. Can the wisdom of a journal article be summarized in a paragraph? And can the essence of the paragraph be stated as an aphorism? If the resident plans a 30 minute textbook reading session, it is best that he or she reads for 25 minutes, with the next 5 minutes to be spent noting down the 5 key points in the reading session. Only these key points need to be committed to long term memory. 

Apart from material things, design, time and activities, even in the emotional realm there is scope for simplification. For a start here is a choice: Do we hold on to those 'small innocuous hurts' and 'apparent tiny insults' or do we simplify our emotions by letting go and feeling lighter?

For those who are by nature laid back and perhaps smiling, ‘Less is more’ is not a validation of laziness. But a conscious decision to pursue less so that we can focus on things that really matter. 

But what are the things that really matter in the end? Miss Bronnie Ware after years of working in palliative care sums up in her bestselling book ‘The top five regrets of the dying’. Most of the regrets of the dying centred on the following five thoughts - I wish I could have lived a life true to myself and not the life expected of me by others; I wish I could have worked less hard; I wish I could have expressed my feelings better; I wish I could have nurtured my precious friendships; & I wish I could have ‘chosen happiness’!

To live a life without regrets, we need to pursue less and experience more; Embrace simplicity over complexity.  And stay focused on what truly matters the most. 

Postscript:

So what could be the aphorism for this article apart from the obvious title? 

May be.. 

‘Live atomic to experience the cosmic' ?