Anniversary interview with Prof. Ardis Platkājis: on radiology, medical innovations, students, and sports

Photo: Courtesy of RSU and Ardis Platkājis

How did you choose the medical profession?

I was born into a family of doctors—both of my parents were medical professionals. During my school years, I never considered any other profession. As a child, I was always surrounded by medicine. I often accompanied my parents to work and got to know their colleagues.

What kind of doctors were your parents?

Both were paediatricians. My mother was a paediatrician, and my father was a paediatric surgeon.

How did your education and career develop?

It was a challenging time. The late 1980s saw rapid advancements in radiology.

Initially, I considered another specialty, but with the emergence of new technologies like computed tomography and ultrasound, I chose radiology.

After graduating from university, I started working immediately. At that time, the Latvian Diagnostic Centre had already been established, and I was also teaching at the Latvian Medical Academy.

Where are you working now?

Currently, I work at Riga 1st Hospital, specialising in radiology. Additionally, I am involved in research and student training at Rīga Stradiņš University.

Your profession is closely linked to modern technology. How do you keep up with the latest innovations?

I regularly attend professional congresses, conferences, and training sessions both in Latvia and abroad—for example, in Sweden, Germany, and the US.

Nowadays, information is much more accessible, thanks to the internet and scientific literature.

Is the introduction of new diagnostic equipment in Latvia progressing quickly?

Usually, some specialists already have prior knowledge of new technologies or equipment and train their colleagues. We teach young doctors how to work with MRI machines and interpret CT scans. This experience is passed down from colleague to colleague, or even from generation to generation.

You have trained in the United States. Are they far ahead of us in the field of radiology?

American healthcare is among the most expensive in the world, so they are the first to introduce new diagnostic methods and technologies. These innovations gradually spread to other countries. However, in terms of everyday radiology services, their offerings are not vastly different from ours.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly entering the medical field. How do you see its role?

AI is actively being developed and trained, but doctors will remain the primary decision-makers. AI can assist in image analysis, but a human must still verify the findings.

You are also a professor and lecturer. How did you start working with students?

I began teaching students during my clinical residency, which at the time was equivalent to today's residency programmes. This work interested me, and over time, teaching became an integral part of my professional life.

RSU management congratulates Prof. Ardis Platkājis on his anniversary. RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons, Prof. Ardis Platkājais and Vice-Rector for Academic Work Dins Šmits

Are today's students different from those 20–30 years ago?

Definitely. Today's students have grown up in the digital age, processing information faster and more visually. They require concise, structured information. Short video animations and digital materials are ideal for them.

Have today's diagnostic capabilities improved significantly?

Absolutely. In the past, computed tomography was very limited in availability, but now diagnostic capabilities are much broader and more precise. For example, MRI accessibility in Latvia is on par with the most developed European countries.

Are regional hospitals in Latvia equipped with modern technology?

Sometimes expensive equipment is purchased, but there are not enough specialists to operate it.

In the United States, such machines run almost continuously, 24/7, while in Latvia, some are used only a few times per week, which is not economically viable.

You are actively involved in research. What are your main areas of study?

My dissertation focused on the application of MRI in multiple sclerosis diagnosis. My main research interests are in neuroradiology and musculoskeletal radiology.

Currently, I am participating in a study on cognitive abilities and their visualisation using MRI.

The goal is to explore how image analysis can help detect early brain changes and predict disease progression.

Does this mean AI could help make even more precise diagnoses in the future?

Yes, and this would be valuable not only for early diagnosis but also for prevention.

If we could detect even minor changes in brain structure before symptoms appear, preventive measures could be initiated in time—

such as physical activity, dietary adjustments, and medication.

You work in multiple fields. How do you avoid burnout?

Maintaining balance is crucial—eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for sleep. Prolonged sleep deprivation inevitably leads to burnout.

What helps you relax?