The Last of the Family Run Radiology Practices

As a Radiologist, Dr. Cyrus Khorrami is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and ultimately directing the treatment of disease and injury by using medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT, MRI, mammography, and ultrasound. Born into a family of physicians, he has been surrounded by medicine his entire life. “Growing up, I would hear fantastic stories my parents told about how they were able to change people’s lives. I knew this was what I wanted.” He adds, “Radiology answers the question of why someone is sick or why they are in pain. We work closely with all types of medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients. Every case is unique, which makes this field challenging. Reading hundreds of studies a week, I potentially diagnose and help hundreds of patients each week, which makes my job extremely rewarding.”

After graduating from George Washington University, he moved to Philadelphia and conducted research at the University of Pennsylvania in creating a melanoma vaccine. He stayed in Philadelphia and attended medical school at Temple School of Medicine. After obtaining his medical degree, Cyrus spent the next four years at Cooper University Hospital for his radiology residency. After becoming a Board Certified Radiologist, he went on to Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore for a Cross Sectional Body Imaging Fellowship. Although his work has taken him all over the tri-state area, he moved back to Ocean County and enjoys living close to his family.

Both of Dr. Khorrami’s parents are physicians. His father, Parviz Khorrami, is also a Radiologist and founded Toms River X-Ray, CT, and MRI Center. The practice began in 1981 when his father decided to leave the hospital system and open his own practice. He opened a small office on Route 37 with a single X-ray machine. Dr. Parviz Khorrami has slowly built his practice up over the last 30 years to now having over 40 employees and offering all imaging modalities. “We are the oldest and the largest privately owned imaging center in the area,” he says.

Patients will immediately feel a different level of comfort when treated at Toms River X-Ray, CT, and MRI Center. “Large corporations or hospitals run most radiology practices,” he explains. “Ours is a family-run practice, which is very unusual in radiology. There used to be lots of privately owned radiology centers. Over the years, it because harder and harder to stay independent. Those other family run, privately-owned centers either closed down or were absorbed by larger radiology groups. It is a story we have all seen a million times. The family owned stores cannot compete with the corporate chains.

“My father founded our practice. My mother has been the office administrator for many years. I serve as the medical director. As with any family-run business, we take pride in what we do and work hard to provide the very best service possible. In my experience, larger corporations have less flexibility and less a person touch. We try to be as helpful and understanding as we can. We care deeply for our patients and strive to treat each and every one like they are a part of our family. I believe that is the reason we are able to prosper.”

Dr. Khorrami enjoys the field of radiology because there are constantly new technologic breakthroughs and advances in imaging happening. He adds, “It is extremely important to have the most state-of-the-art methodologies and to hire and retain the best staff.” He makes it a priority to keep in close contact with the referring physicians he works with. “All doctors should work together as a team to provide the very best and most complete care for our patients.” Part of his responsibility involves working closely with other referring physicians to help guide diagnosis and treatment for his patients. Once he is able to help figure out the cause of a patient’s symptoms, he can quickly direct appropriate treatment. This can potentially result in catching life-threatening illnesses as quickly as possible.

All of their radiologists are highly trained and have many years of experience. Almost all of them have advanced subspecialized training from top academic centers. This allows them to provide the type of quality care seen at any university hospital while still providing the personal attention and level of service of a family-run business.

Dr. Khorrami has been married to Dr. Ladi Ilkhani for last eight years. “Ladi is incredible. She is the most amazing wife, mother, partner, best friend, doctor, and confidant anyone could dream of.” Ladi is originally from New York and has been working for Hackensack Meridian Health as a primary care physician. Cyrus and Ladi have been blessed with two beautiful healthy boys, Dean (4 years old) and Dylan (2 years old). “Family is so important to us. We are overjoyed we can all work and live near each other. It is exciting to me that I can raise my children right here where I grew up.” Cyrus and Ladi often look to the future. “Perhaps one day our children will become doctors, to grow our practices and to keep the legacy alive.”