The Six Pillars of Quality in Medical Imaging with Dr. Summer Kaplan

Episode notes

What does “quality” really mean in healthcare and how do you measure it when every patient’s story is unique? Dr. Summer Kaplan joins host Chris St. John to unpack the Six Pillars of Healthcare Quality, a framework that continues to guide modern medicine two decades after its creation by the Institute of Medicine. From her vantage point as a pediatric radiologist, Dr. Kaplan explains how these pillars intersect within medical imaging, revealing how safety, equity, and patient-centeredness are not competing goals but interconnected responsibilities. She shares personal reflections as both a radiologist and a parent, discusses how over-optimization can erode care, and reminds us that effectiveness in imaging isn’t just about getting the “right diagnosis”—it’s about guiding the next best step for the patient. Whether you’re a clinician, technologist, or healthcare leader, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it means to practice imaging that’s safe, equitable, and meaningful for every patient.