Physician Friday -- Dr. Sheldon Robbins

As an interventional radiologist at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Dr. Sheldon Robbins says there are two distinct aspects of the job that he really loves.

The first of those aspects is what drew him to the field of radiology in the first place – human anatomy.

“Early in my career I had an internship at St. Francis Hospital in internal medicine,” he says. “I found myself in the Radiology Department quite often and it just struck me that these individuals knew so much about anatomy. It was fascinating to me.”

Ultimately, Robbins transferred to a residency program in radiology at Emory University in Georgia.

“As a pure radiologist, I love looking at diagnostic imaging,” he says. “With CT scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, we are given amazing in-depth looks at the organs and soft tissues that make up the human body. The ability to look inside the body is exciting for radiologists because, ultimately, we’re connoisseurs of the human anatomy. We revel in being able to analyze the body and to help with a diagnosis.”

Much of that traditional side of radiology – finding cancers and other disease – is done behind closed doors, with little direct patient contact. But the “interventional” part of Dr. Robbins’ job title is what gives him a dual professional satisfaction. That second aspect is direct patient care.

An interventional radiologist performs a variety of procedures. It could be something as simple as a CT-guided biopsy or abscess drainage, or it could be more complicated, such as putting in a stent to help open a blocked artery in a patient’s leg.

“That side of me really appreciates the patient contact,” Robbins says. “The most rewarding part of my job is to have a successful outcome in an interventional procedure. To have the patient realize that what we have done for them has made a difference in his or her life, and they acknowledge that with a simple ‘thank you.’ That’s very rewarding.”

Robbins’ career also includes an undergraduate degree from Michigan State, four years of medical school in Italy and a medical degree from the University of Connecticut. He also trained for a year at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital in New York City for his sub-specialty, and spent four years in private practice in New Hampshire before coming to L+M in 1993.

Robbins has three children (including one who is studying to be a nurse). He lives in Old Lyme and when he’s not busy at L+M, he enjoys staying in shape by running almost every day and lifting weights. He also enjoys ballroom dancing, growing flowers and vegetables in his garden and good wine.

“I like cooking, too,” he says. “I make a great white-chocolate Crème Brule. So that’s me. If it involves fitness and good food, I’m right there.”

And he’s right here at L+M.

“I love it here,” he says. “I love the atmosphere. It’s a great place to work, with patient care first and foremost on everyone’s agenda.”

To learn more about Dr. Robbins, click here.