Houston, TX [July 24, 2018]- A passion for technology and an early recognition of medicine as a means to make a difference in the world placed Dr. Patrick P. Lertdilok on his path to becoming The Rose’s newest diagnostic radiologist.
With a mother who was a pathologist and many of her eight brothers and sisters also in the medical field, Lertdilok could have easily followed in the family tradition. Instead, he earned a business degree from the University of Texas at Austin with a focus in Management Information Systems.
Familiar with hospitals after visiting and observing his mother in her workplace, he accepted a role with Cerner Corporation, a supplier of health information technology solutions. Lertdilok soon found that while he enjoyed that his work indirectly contributed to better healthcare, he yearned for a career where he could have a more direct impact on patients’ lives. It was with this goal in mind that he chose to pursue a career in medicine.
Lertdilok returned to the classroom, received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and completed a one-year Breast Imaging Fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The choice of radiology was a nod to his fascination with technology and a breast imaging subspecialty allowed him to pull away from the computer screen and engage with his patients.
Since graduating, Lertdilok has served as a diagnostic radiologist at Women’s Radiology Associates, LLP, The Woman’s Hospital of Texas and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. However, as Lertdilok had opportunities to engage with The Rose he discovered the distinction between private practice and nonprofit worlds, and made his next career move.
Noting that in private practice there is always a “bottom line” with the ultimate goal to make a profit, he has observed that at a nonprofit such as The Rose, “There’s a different kind of bottom line, which is to have a positive effect on the world, to make a difference.”
Two of Lertdilok’s aunts were diagnosed with breast cancer, which was one of his reasons for choosing The Rose. One passed away and the other is in remission. As a result, Lertdilok is especially proud of the relationships he is able to have with patients at The Rose.
“Most radiologists sit behind a computer and patients never see them. At The Rose, we are involved from beginning to end, with the mammogram, diagnosis and biopsy. They know our faces; they know our names,” he explains of his experience helping women at The Rose Galleria location.
Lertdilok is impressed with the shared passion of The Rose staff, as well as the fact that insured patients know when they choose The Rose they are helping pay for someone who couldn’t otherwise afford the services.
Dorothy Gibbons, Co-Founder and CEO of The Rose, is encouraged by Lertdilok’s embrace of the organization’s mission. “Dr. Lertdilok understands that quality health care is important regardless of a patient’s financial or insurance status. With his enthusiasm for technology and his compassion for each patient, he is the right fit for the future of this organization.”
To schedule a media interview with any member of our board, please contact Lis Harper at 281-846-5976 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.
About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and offers advanced digital technology including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic workups, biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare and access to care. The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients annually. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 43 counties in Southeast Texas.
