VIENNA – Prof. Mathias Prokop, a leading researcher and CT pioneer, shared insights with ECR 2024 attendees on the significance of seizing opportunities and embracing unexpected chances in life. According to Prokop, regret often stems from missed opportunities rather than failed attempts, emphasizing the importance of taking chances rather than playing it safe.
In his engaging presentation titled “My journey in radiology research and lessons I learned for next-generation radiology,” Prokop highlighted the abundance of opportunities in life and the importance of seizing them. He stressed that regrets are more likely to arise from opportunities not taken rather than those that lead to failure.
Encouraging young radiologists to step out of their comfort zones, Prokop, the chair of radiology at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, shared valuable lessons he gained from transitioning between academic institutions. He emphasized the significance of teamwork, delegation, and effective collaboration in achieving success.
Prokop, who was elected as the second VP of the European Society of Radiology in early 2024, also emphasized the importance of setting clear life goals and building supportive networks that complement individual strengths and weaknesses. He highlighted the interconnectedness of personal and professional life, underscoring the impact of partnerships and relationships on career trajectories.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Prokop shared his experience of choosing between mathematics, physics, and medicine. Despite his initial inclination towards mathematics, he realized the importance of consistent studying and the value of challenging oneself. Ultimately, he chose medicine to make a significant impact on the world.
During his rotations, Prokop found the importance of selecting institutions with expertise in his area of interest, even if the specific field did not align with his initial preferences. He stressed the significance of choosing the right environment for optimal learning experiences.
Lessons learned from his scientific endeavors led Prokop to advocate for collaboration, accessibility of research findings, and strategic goal-setting for researchers. He advised sharing ideas with caution, aligning collaborations with personal goals, and documenting valuable findings for the benefit of the scientific community.
Prokop acknowledged the importance of reflection and strategic planning in research endeavors, citing his own experiences with M.D. thesis and PhD studies. He emphasized the value of efficient data collection methods and timely publication of research insights to maximize impact in the field.
In hindsight, Prokop recognized the trade-offs in his research approach, noting that deeper insights could have been gained with more extensive research design. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of thoughtful consideration and strategic decision-making in research pursuits.