Turning 40: A Radiologist's Story - Delaney Radiology

By Dr. Kendall Yokubaitis, M.D.

This is still hard for me to admit sometimes, so I’ll just come right out and say it: I’m turning 40! It’s hard to really put into words how I feel about this milestone. On one hand, I’m at a point in my life where I’m now living many of the dreams I had when I was younger: I have a very satisfying and rewarding career as a radiologist, I have a wonderful family with a supportive husband and 3 beautiful children. So many things to be thankful for! On the other hand – HOW AM I 40?!?!?! I can no longer claim adolescent ignorance due to lack of life experience and some people may consider me to be “over the hill.” I’ve even caught myself saying “music just isn’t what it used to be.” What was once popular and cutting edge in my 20’s is now considered “throwback” and “vintage.” It’s just hard for me to wrap my head around it – I’M 40!!!!

But it’s also exciting, turning 40. My kids are getting older and becoming more and more independent, which means I get to spend more time with my husband and doing the things I love. I’ve learned to embrace change and be grateful for the time I’ve been given. If I’ve learned anything after living through hurricanes, natural disasters, wars, terrorist attacks, stock market crashes, political scandals and especially a global pandemic, it’s that life is short. And because I’d like to have another 40+ years, I need to make sure I take care of myself. Being the type A personality I am, I start to plan – how will my life change when I turn 40?

I know that I need to schedule my annual physical and get the “40 work up.” I know it will include blood work, advanced questions about my health, and of course my first screening mammogram. As a radiologist, I help women everyday screen for and diagnose breast cancer, but now it’s my turn. What they say is true – physicians really are the worst patients. Nevertheless, I will lead by example and schedule my screening mammogram. I will also talk to my doctor about other screening exams like virtual colonoscopy, CT lung screening, and heart calcium scoring. Thankfully, I know I can get it all done at Delaney Radiology.

Yes, I work at Delaney, so of course I’m slightly partial, but I also KNOW the people who work at Delaney, not only physicians, but also technologists and staff, and they are all genuinely wonderful people who want to take the best care of our patients that we can. I see first hand when they take the time to walk an elderly patient to their car or even console them when they receive bad news. But don’t take it from me…all you have to do is Google us and look at our reviews to see what people really think about us. So I’m grateful to have Delaney as a resource to guide me through this new chapter of my life.

And what do you know – Delaney is turning 40 too! It’s wonderful to know there is still an independent practice here in Wilmington that has been around for 40 years and helped possibly millions of people. Even over just the last six years of my tenure with Delaney, I have seen incredible change in the health care landscape. It has also been wonderful watching and being a part of how Delaney has grown and adapted to whatever has come its way.

So Happy 40th to me. Happy 40th to my fellow 1982-ers! And Happy 40th to Delaney Radiology. May we all be around for 40 more!

To schedule your screening mammogram or other screening exam, call Delaney Radiology at (910) 762-3882 or request an appointment here.

*A doctor’s referral may be required