'The Real Harm Is in Missing the Diagnosis' with Dr. Ehsan Samei

Episode notes

In this episode of Frame by Frame, host Chris St John is joined by Dr. Ehsan Samei, a leading medical physicist and advocate for patient-centered imaging. Dr. Samei challenges long-held assumptions about radiation risk, urging a shift away from fear-based thinking. He critiques the limitations of population-based radiation thresholds and emphasizes why shared decision-making should drive medical imaging practices. Through accessible examples, Dr. Samei explains why delayed or denied imaging can often pose a greater risk than the radiation itself. He also breaks down the widely debated Linear No-Threshold model and how it’s frequently misunderstood in clinical contexts. As Chief Imaging Physicist at Duke University and a Distinguished Professor, Dr. Samei offers insights that are both scientifically grounded and deeply human. Whether you’re a clinician or simply someone curious about your healthcare, this episode provides a vital rethink of how we talk about imaging, risk, and patient trust. Chapters: [00:00] Intro & Welcome with Dr.