Overview
The cardiothoracic imaging section specializes in the diagnosis of diseases and disorders of the lungs, mediastinum, airway, pleura and chest wall, myocardium and coronary arteries. Our fellowship-trained faculty are diagnostic experts in the following:
- Critical care
- Thoracic trauma
- Pulmonary thromboembolic disease
- Diseases of the thoracic aorta
- Acute aortic syndromes
- Interstitial lung disease
- Lung and other cancers
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Transplant complications
- Infectious diseases
- Occupational lung disease
- Congenital and acquired myocardial
- Pericardial disease
- Coronary artery disease
All imaging is fully digitized on a state-of-art McKesson picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Advanced post-processing modalities include TeraRecon, Vitrea, Syngo.via, WebPAX and CMR42, and hospital RIS access is readily accessible at six megapixel color monitors and workstations. Our department has state-of-the-art imaging equipment including six multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners, three of which are Siemen Flash scanners, and four 1.5T MRI scanners. These technological advances allow our specialists to be effective consultants for both staff and non-staff physicians serving VCU Health System and three out-patient clinics.
Procedures and Programs
The section interprets approximately 90,000 chest radiographs, 18,000 chest computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography exams and 650 cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR angiogram studies, and performs approximately 150 thoracic interventions annually. These include:
- High-resolution computed tomography
- CT aortography
- CT pulmonary angiography
- Cardiac CT angiography
- Cardiac MR imaging
- Pre-ablation pulmonary vein MR studies
- Lung and mediastinal biopsies
Working in conjunction with the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Thoracic Surgery and Smoking Cessation, we created the first university-based lung cancer screening program using low-dose chest computed tomography technology in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Our program, and its multidisciplinary approach, has served as a model for other academic screening programs across the country. The screening program is endorsed by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer as a Center of Excellence.
Learn More about our Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Fellowship in Thoracic Imaging
A fellowship that provides advanced training alongside experts in the field.
Research
Both the thoracic imaging and non-invasive cardiovascular imaging specialties have an active clinical research program. Our faculty participates in annual meetings with the American Roentgen Ray Society, Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology, and Society of Thoracic Radiology. Fellows are expected to participate in clinical research projects in conjunction with our staff and other clinical services. The VCU Department of Radiology provides administrative assistance and support in preparation of exhibits, presentations and manuscripts. Support is also provided to fellows for presentation of research at recognized major radiological society meetings.
Cardiothoracic Imaging Faculty

Mark S. Parker, M.D., FACR
Professor

Mark S. Parker, M.D., FACR
Professor
Radiology
Professor of Diagnostic Radiology and Internal Medicine
Co-Section Chief, Cardiothoracic Imaging
Director, Thoracic Imaging Fellowship
Director, Lung Cancer Screening Program
Phone: (804) 828-5064
Fax: (804) 628-1132
Email: mark.parker@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
West Hospital, West Wing

John D. Grizzard, M.D.
Associate Professor

John D. Grizzard, M.D.
Associate Professor
Radiology
Associate Professor
Co-Section Chief, Cardiothoracic Imaging
Director, Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging
Phone: (804) 828-8569
Fax: (804) 628-1132
Email: john.grizzard@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
West Hospital, West Wing

Franklin Dana, M.D.
Assistant Professor

Franklin Dana, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiology
Phone: (804) 828-3352
Fax: (804) 628-1132
Email: franklin.dana@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
West Hospital, West Wing

Shaimaa A Fadl, M.D.
Assistant Professor

Shaimaa A Fadl, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiology
Cardiothoracic Imaging / Emergency Radiology
Email: shaimaa.fadl@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
West Hospital, West Wing
.jpg)
Leila Rezai Gharai, M.D.
Associate Professor
.jpg)
Leila Rezai Gharai, M.D.
Associate Professor
Radiology
Phone: (804) 828-0534
Fax: (804) 628-1132
Email: leila.rezaigharai@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
West Hospital, West Wing

Kendall L. Capecci, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor

Kendall L. Capecci, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor
Radiology
Phone: (804) 828-0552
Email: kendall.capecci@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
Main Hospital

Stephen Foxx, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor


Robert Groves, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor


William Ritchie, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor
