Before joining DocPanel full time, I had already lived two very different versions of radiology. I spent years in academia at the University of Florida as a staff radiologist, teaching, reading, and mentoring, before moving into private practice in California. It was during my time at Florida that I first heard about DocPanel and their second opinion program.

Second opinions had always intrigued me. They’re such an important part of patient care, yet in reality they’re often underutilized. Most patients only get them if their physician has a connection with the radiologist or if the case is presented at a tumor board. I’d always thought patients deserved better access to subspecialized insight. So when the chance to read second opinion studies through DocPanel came along, I didn’t hesitate.

As my career evolved, so did my relationship with DocPanel. After leaving Florida for private practice, I began taking on part-time final reads through the platform. That’s when it hit me. The way I was able to practice with DocPanel felt completely different. The flexibility, the income, the case mix — the more I compared the two, the more clear it became that this model was offering me an opportunity to completely shape the way I practice.

From Part-Time to Full-Time

With DocPanel, I could log in when it worked for me. I could choose the studies I wanted to read, cases aligned with my training in body imaging, and still generate meaningful income. There were no commutes, no hospital politics, and no pressure to cover studies outside my subspecialty just because they needed someone to jump in.

That last part is especially important. In academic and private practice settings, you’re always under pressure to help with cases that aren’t your specialty. It’s inevitable when you’re part of a group. While it can be a good learning experience early in your career, over time it can dilute your focus and weigh you down. With DocPanel, I finally felt like I was practicing the way I was trained: interpreting body imaging studies exclusively, day in and day out. It’s better for the patients, and better for me.

Once I did the math, the decision became clear. Why keep working in private practice under rigid structures when I had a better, more flexible option right in front of me?

Why DocPanel Is Different

Most teleradiology models are shift-based. You’re tied to a block of hours—four, eight, even ten—and you never really know what you’re going to get. Some shifts are overloaded, others are light. Either way, you’re stuck until the shift ends.

DocPanel flips that model on its head. My day is my own. If I want to drop my kids off at school, I can. If I want to take a mid-day break, I can. If I feel like reading a few hours on the weekend, I have that option too. I’m not bound by shifts. I can enjoy holidays, or I can choose to work. 

And because I’m reading exclusively within body imaging, my skills stay sharp and my work feels purposeful. I still get to take on second opinions, which I find deeply rewarding. They give me the chance to provide patients with clarity when they need it most, and that’s one of the most gratifying parts of being a radiologist.

A Platform That Works

I’ve worked on a lot of PACS systems throughout my career, and you wouldn’t believe how poorly optimized some of them are. In hospital settings or big groups, it’s not unusual to sit and wait for CT images to load, or to scroll through a study only to have the system crash and lose your report. These are preventable problems, but they happen far too often.

DocPanel’s platform is one of the best I’ve ever used. It’s fast, reliable, and intuitive. Images load smoothly, templates and macros are customizable, and if I need support, I get it right away. The workflow is seamless with no lag or wasted time. When you’re reading high volume, those differences matter. The system was clearly designed with radiologists in mind, and it shows.

Looking Ahead

The only thing I miss from traditional practice is performing procedures. The great thing about DocPanel is that if I ever want to do that again, I can always pick up a locums gig. But realistically, I see myself staying remote. I don’t miss the commuting, the shift work, or the long hospital hours. I don’t see myself going back to the nine-to-five—or five-to-midnight—cut shifts.

With DocPanel, I’ve found a way to build a career that is flexible, sustainable, and fulfilling. It allows me to practice radiology at a high level, stay true to my subspecialty, and still show up fully for my family and my life outside of medicine. It’s not just a better way to work—it’s the way I want to live.

Dr. Abdullah Malkawi is a Body Radiologist with over two decades of experience in chest, abdominal, pelvic, and oncologic imaging. As a former Assistant Professor of Abdominal Imaging and Associate Program Director at the University of Florida’s Department of Radiology, he played a pivotal role in teaching and mentoring radiology residents and medical students. 

In 2020, he was selected for the prestigious Association of University Radiologists’ Academic Faculty Development Program and in 2022 he received the Housestaff Teaching Award from the University of Florida residency class. Dr. Malkawi’s clinical and academic work reflect a deep commitment to excellence in patient care and education.