In this episode of Living with metastatic cancer, Dr. Peter Crane interviews Dr. Sagar Naik, an abdominal imaging oncologic radiologist at MD Anderson. Dr. Naik opens up about his unconventional path from Africa to UCLA and Baylor College of Medicine, his deep expertise in sarcomas and rare tumors, the evolving practice of radiology, and the very real human impact of precise imaging interpretation. They explore misconceptions about radiology’s role, the challenges of remote reading, the promise (and limits) of AI, and strategies to combat burnout through reflection and financial preparedness.

• Growing up in Zambia (Southern Africa) as part of an Indian diaspora community, moving to Los Angeles as a teenager, attending junior college then UCLA, and eventually Baylor Med School
• Path to radiology: Drawn to the technology and problem-solving during a medical school rotation; fellowships in interventional and abdominal imaging
• Meeting a solitary fibrous tumor patient (Dr. Peter Crane) and the emotional impact of deep subspecialty expertise on rare diseases
• The critical, often under-appreciated role of radiologists in cancer care especially nuanced assessment of treatment response beyond simple size measurements
• Dramatic changes in radiology: From film printing and slow workflows to high-volume, high-resolution imaging available in minutes
• Remote reading, loss of in-person collaboration, and how volume has skyrocketed with technology
• The promise of AI for efficiency, error reduction, and specific detections (e.g., pulmonary emboli) ,but not replacement of radiologists
• Burnout, career transitions, and the importance of financial independence so medicine remains a joy rather than a financial necessity
• Wisdom for young physicians: Focus on the next step, believe it’s possible, and remember every doctor brings a unique story

• Radiology is far more than “just reading films” expert interpretation directly shapes treatment decisions, especially for rare tumors and nuanced responses to modern therapies like immunotherapy.
• Technology has transformed the field (faster, better, higher volume), but human expertise, context, and attention to detail remain irreplaceable.
• To sustain a long career in medicine, reflect honestly on the true sources of burnout, pursue financial independence, and remember the profound difference your work makes even when you don’t see the patient face-to-face.

Dr. Sagar Naik is an abdominal imaging oncologic radiologist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He completed fellowships in interventional radiology and abdominal imaging. With a unique background growing up in Zambia before moving to the United States, Dr. Naik brings deep expertise in sarcoma imaging and complex oncologic cases. He is passionate about the meaningful impact radiologists have on patient outcomes and continues to practice with purpose while mentoring the next generation.

About the Host:

Dr. Peter Crane is a board-certified physician, educator, and storyteller with a heart for service and a calling to spotlight doctors who make a difference—in their communities, in medicine, and in the lives they touch.

Through Doctors Making a Difference, he brings you into intimate conversations with physicians who have overcome challenges, redefined success, and found purpose in and beyond the clinic. His goal is simple: to help more doctors stay in medicine by showing them what's possible.

About the Show:

Doctors Making a Difference is more than a podcast—it’s a movement to highlight the good, the gritty, and the deeply human side of medicine.

In every episode, Dr. Peter Crane interviews physicians whose stories defy the script. From burnout recovery to bold career pivots, health challenges to quiet leadership, this show honors the truth that healing begins with connection—and doctors, too, deserve to be whole.

Visit: doctorsmakingadifference.com

LMC Series Note:

Living with Metastatic Cancer (LMC) explores the science, decisions, and day-to-day realities of life with advanced disease—through candid physician–patient conversations.

The Doctors Making a Difference Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult appropriate experts regarding your unique circumstances.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.