National Lung Cancer Screening Day to Boost Access to Lung Cancer Screenings
The Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening Program at VCU Health joins lung cancer screening centers nationwide for National Lung Cancer Screening Day.
Richmond, VA - November 2022 - The Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening Program at VCU Health and VCU Massey Cancer Center joins lung cancer screening centers nationwide for National Lung Cancer Screening Day on Saturday, November 12, 2022. For the first time, VCU Health is opening doors on a Saturday to offer low-dose CT lung cancer screening appointments at Short Pump Pavilion, Stony Point 9000 and Tappahannock Hospital, and allow eligible at-risk former and heavy smokers access to this potentially life-saving screening exam screening without having to take a day off work.
The goal of the event is to enhance accessibility to lung cancer screening for individuals unable to schedule weekday appointments. The event is being organized by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®), American Cancer Society, National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT), Go2 Foundation and Radiology Health Equity Coalition (RHEC) to engage the community and improve access to low-dose CT screenings. Follow the VCU Massey Cancer Center Lung Cancer Screening Program at VCU Health for more information about lung cancer and eligibility for low-dose lung cancer screenings.
Dr. Priti Shah on CBS 6 Virginia This Morning
Richmond, VA - October 2022 - Priti Shah, M.D., Assistant Professor and Director of Breast Imaging at VCU Health, discusses the importance of screening mammography for early detection of breast cancer on Virginia This Morning on CBS 6 during breast cancer awareness month.
Sarah Saunders Joins VCU Health Department of Radiology as Breast Imaging Nurse Navigator
Breast Imaging Nurse Navigator assists patients throughout their breast cancer journey.
Richmond, VA - October 2022 - The VCU Health Department of Radiology welcome Sarah Saunders, MSN, RNC-NIC to the newly created position of Breast Imaging Nurse Navigator. In her role, Saunders serves as a patient advocate, educator, and facilitator, helping to assess and remove barriers for improved access to breast care and breast cancer treatment.
In 2019, Saunders learned she had breast cancer and she received her cancer therapy at VCU Massey Cancer Center. Inspired by the outstanding care during her journey from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, she decided to focus on breast health as a career. After 10 years as a pediatric nurse, Saunders pursued her new passion and now helps women experience the same outstanding care she did. As an integral member of the VCU Health Breast Imaging care team, she sees patients at the Adult Outpatient Pavilion and Stony Point 9000 locations.
VCU Interventional Radiology Symposium for Medical Students
The VCU Department of Radiology holds inaugural Interventional Radiology Symposium for medical students.
Richmond, VA - October 2022 - The Division of Vascular Interventional Radiology held an Interventional Radiology (IR) Symposium for medical students on Saturday, October 1, 2022. This first time, free event provided medical students with an overview of IR's minimally-invasive, image-guided procedures and treatments. Medical students learned from informative hands-on simulations and didactic lecturers by VCU IR faculty and recent alumnus, Avinash Pillutla, M.D. The Symposium was an outstanding success bringing more then 20 medical students interested in IR from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Jeffrey Elbich, M.D., one of our integrated interventional radiology residency program directors, organized the event and planned the day's activities.
VCU Radiologists Recognized for Outstanding Teaching
Radiology faculty from the VCU School of Medicine recognized for their exceptional achievements, professionalism and leadership
Three VCU Radiologists Recognized by the VCU School of Medicine for Teaching Excellence
First Radiologist to Receive the Enrique Gerszten, MD Faculty Teaching Excellence Award
Richmond, VA - September 2022 - Mark S. Parker, M.D. receives the 2022 Enrique Gerszten, MD Faculty Teaching Excellence Award.
"The bond between a teacher and a student can be forever," says Enrique Gerszten, MD, the namesake of the VCU School of Medicine's faculty teaching excellence award.
The Enrique Gerszten, MD Faculty Teaching Excellence Award is the highest award given in recognition for teaching by the VCU School of Medicine. The award honors Dr. Parker's achievements in teaching medical students, residents, fellows, and colleagues both at VCU and at the national and international levels. To date, Dr. Parker is the only radiologist to have earned this prestigious award offered by the VCU School of Medicine.
Interventional Radiologist Receives 2022 Outstanding Teaching Award in Undergraduate Medical Education: M3 Ambulatory Clerkship
Brian Strife, M.D. receives the Outstanding Teaching Award for the "Highest Evaluation in an M3 Clerkship" for the Ambulatory Clerkship. The award recognizes a faculty member who have received a ranking of excellent or higher on student evaluations in the clerkships.
Interventional Radiologist Receives 2022 Outstanding Teaching Award in Ambulatory Clerkship at VCU Health Baird Vascular Institute
Christopher Bailey, D.O. receives the Outstanding Teaching Award for his exceptional teaching efforts in the Ambulatory Clerkship attended by medical students at the VCU Health Baird Vascular Institute.
The VCU Department of Radiology faculty members received their awards at the VCU School of Medicine 24th Annual Faculty Excellence Awards Program held September 20th.
Dr. Kathryn S. Jones Earns Promotion to Associate Professor
Richmond, VA - August 2022 - Kathryn Starkweather Jones, M.D. earned a promotion to Associate Clinical Professor for her demonstrated excellence in teaching and clinical work. Dr. Jones earned her medical degree and completed her residency and fellowship at VCU.
Radiology Resident Wins Abstract Award Competition
Radiology Resident Takes First Place in the 2022 Virginia Radiological Society Abstract Award Competition
Richmond, VA - June 2022 - Dr. Khalid Shaqdan, a VCU Radiology resident, was awarded first place in the the 2022 Virginia Radiological Society (VRS) Abstract Award Competition for his abstract on the "The Incidence of Barotrauma in in Hospitalized Covid (+) Patients."
Dr. Shaqdan to present a synopsis of his research at the VRS annual meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia on August 14, 2022.
Multispecialty Team Publishes in Diagnostics (Basel)
Experts in neuroradiology and musculoskeletal radiology review imaging of the temporomandibular joint
Recent Radiology News
Jump to March | February | January
- April 2022
- Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., Brian Strife M.D. and Gregory Vorona, M.D. are three of the more than 200 VCU Health physicians who made the 2022 list of Richmond’s “Top Docs,” published each year by Richmond Magazine. The physicians were chosen by their peers using a Richmond Magazine online survey.
- March 2022
- Laura Carucci, M.D., Professor and Chair of Abdominal Imaging, and Neeraj Lalwani, M.D., Associate Professor, each, respectively, receive the Radiology Society of North America's RadioGraphics Editor’s Recognition Award for reviewing with Distinction. The award is presented annually to a highly select group of reviewers.
- Ann S. Fulcher, M.D. awarded her 2021 Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) Gold Medal during the 2022 SAR Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. Due to COVID-19, last year's annual meeting was virtual so the award ceremony was delayed until the 2022 annual meeting.
- February 2022
- The VCU Health Radiology Department has earned the Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence (DICOE) designation by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for five VCU Health imaging center locations. Among adult imaging centers, VCU Health is the only health system to achieve the designation in Richmond, the only academic medical center in Virginia and one of only 16 academic medical facilities in the United States. The DICOE designation, a three-year status, recognizes VCU Health Radiology exceeds ACR accreditation standards providing best-quality imaging practices and excellence in diagnostic imaging. The designation acknowledges the integral role professional and support staff, technology and policies and procedures play in providing excellent patient care. “Our Department can take great pride in this achievement, as this designation is validation of our ongoing commitment to quality care, patient safety and efficiency,” said Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., chair of the VCU Department of Radiology. “Radiology plays a significant role in health care so this one-of-a-kind recognition elevates both our staff, who are often behind the scenes, and the VCU Health System.” The VCU Health Radiology imaging centers with the DICOE designation are the Adult Outpatient Pavilion, Gateway, Main Hospital, Stony Point 9000 and Short Pump Pavilion. The centers are accredited by the ACR in all modalities they provide and actively participate in the Dose Index Registry and Lung Cancer Screening, as well as Image Wisely and Image Gently initiatives. VCU Health Radiology has more than 50 fellowship-trained physicians that support VCU Health System patients, providers and community providers. VCU Health Radiology, under the auspices of VCU Massey Cancer Center, offers nationally-recognized early detection cancer screening programs, including low-dose CT lung cancer screening, advanced prostate cancer screening, and diagnostic 3D mammography for breast cancer screening. The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. ACR comprises physicians, physicists, and technology experts in radiology and is the oldest and most experienced imaging accreditation body. Read the VCU Health article.
- January 2022
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Pei-Jan Paul Lin, PhD (first author), professor and Chair of the Division of Diagnostic Medical Physics, and Frank D. Corwin, PhD, assistant professor, along with many other American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) physicists recently published, "Report of the AAPM Task Group 272: Comprehensive acceptance testing and evaluation of fluoroscopy imaging systems." The abstract states, "Modern fluoroscopes used for image guidance have become quite complex. Adding to this complexity are the many regulatory and accreditation requirements that must be fulfilled during acceptance testing of a new unit. Further, some of these acceptance tests have pass/fail criteria, while others do not, making acceptance testing a subjective and time consuming task. The AAPM Task Group 272 Report spells out the details of tests that are required and gives visibility to some of the tests that while not yet required, are recommended as good practice. The organization of the report begins with the most complicated fluoroscopes used in interventional radiology or cardiology, continues with general fluoroscopy and mobile C-arms. Finally, the Appendices of the report provide useful information, an example report form and topics that needed their own section due to the level of detail." The AAPM Task Group 272 was established in November 2015 with the goal of defining testing procedures for fluoroscopic imaging systems, including conventional, mobile C-arm, and interventional/angiography systems, thereby establishing a comprehensive acceptance test procedure for practicing medical physicists.
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Mark S. Parker, M.D., FACR, Professor and Thoracic Imaging Section Chief, is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award from the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS). The award is designed to celebrate and honor inspirational educators in the field of radiology with a track record of improving the society's educational program through innovative educational activities that result in improved participant competence and performance which ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes, the award goes to a single physician each year. Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., Chair VCU Department of Radiology, expresses excitement that, "Dr. Parker's talents and contributions have been recognized on the national level by one of Radiology’s premier societies." Dr. Mark Parker is well-known throughout VCU as a dedicated educator of medical students, residents, fellows, and colleagues. As a Cardiothoracic Radiologist, Parker established the VCU Lung Cancer Screening Program. He also contributes to the evolving information related to COVID-19 by serving as the ARRS Course Director for the Virtual COVID-19 Symposium, which is attended by radiologists worldwide. Read the VCU School of Medicine article.
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Mark S. Parker, M.D., FACR, was course director of the American Roentgen Ray Society COVID-19: Prevailing Clinical, Imaging, Healthcare, and Economic Issues of 2022 Virtual Symposium. During the symposium, radiologists across multiple subspecialties and experts in epidemiology, public health, and oncology delivered sessions focused on the principal problems still plaguing physicians. Dr. Parker opened the symposium with session, "Current State of COVID Mutations and Variants" and Michael P. Stevens M.D., VCU Division of Infectious Diseases, presented an afternoon session, "Status of Vaccines and Therapies for COVID." The COVID-19: Prevailing Issues of 2022 Symposium was offered virtually and on demand.
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Mark S. Parker, M.D., FACR, Professor and Thoracic Imaging Section Chief in collaboration with colleagues from other institutions recently published, "Pulmonary Barotrauma in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis" in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Parker notes, "we have seen a significant increase in barotrauma in COVID patients, on the order of 11-20% pre-delta variant during which time this article was written, and as high as 40% with the delta variant. It comes in various forms such as spontaneous pneumothorax, spontaneous tension pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumoperitoneum, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumatocele-air cyst formation and subcutaneous air and may occur with both high-flow nasal cannula and mechanical ventilation."
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Gregory Vorona, M.D., Assistant Professor and Pediatric Radiologist at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, presents four cases at the American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology (ASPNR) 4th Annual Meeting held in-person January 7-9, 2022 in Miami, FL. As an invited faculty member, Dr. Vorona demonstrated his expertise covering challenging topics in pediatric neuroradiology and advanced imaging techniques to colleagues from across the country. He also participated in the "Pediatric Emergency Imaging: Rapid Fire Carousel" and an evening pediatric neuroradiology "Game Show."
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Taryar M Zaw, M.D., Assistant Professor and Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention (MSK) Radiologist, is one of the authors for collaborative study, "Calcific Tendinosis Reduces Diagnostic Performance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Detection of Rotator Cuff Tears" published November 9, 2021 in the Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. Complete list of authors include: Sill, Andrew P. MD; Zaw, Taryar MD; Flug, Jonathan A. MD, MBA; Hartigan, David E. MD; Kransdorf, Mark J. MD; Brinkman, Joseph MD; Fox, Michael G. MD, MBA.
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Jump to October | September | August | July | June | May | April | March | February | January
- November 2021
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Seyed Mohammad H. Gharavi, M.D., Assistant Professor in Neuroradiology, and Armaghan Faghihimehr, M.D., a second year radiology resident, publish the review article, "Clinical Application of Artificial Intelligence in PET Imaging of Head and Neck Cancer" in PET Clinics (Volume 17, Issue 1, January 2022, Pages 65-76,)
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- October 2021
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Shaimaa A. Fadl, MD, MBChB (first author) and Mark S. Parker, MD, FACR (senior author) from the VCU Health Departments of Radiology and Pathology for the publication of, "Minute Pulmonary Meningothelial-like Nodules" in the RSNA journal Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging. Follow the link to Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging to read the publication.
- Pei-Jan Paul Lin, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Division of Diagnostic Medical Physics, co-authored research with Atsushi Fukuda, Nao Ichikawa, and Kosuke Matsubara titled, "Determination of geometric information and radiation field overlaps on the skin in percutaneous coronary interventions with computer-aided design-based X-ray beam modeling" was accepted for publication by the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics. Follow the link to the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics to read the research.
- Dr. Priti Shah, VCU Breast Imaging, and Dr. Vanessa Sheppard, VCU Massey Cancer Center, joined other medical professionals in women's health to discuss breast cancer screening, prevention, mammography, ultrasound, and research at the 2021 virtual Breast Cancer Forum organized by the Pi Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The forum in an annual interactive event focused on providing accurate, up-to-date information about breast cancer screening and cancer research.
- Dr. Tiffany Tucker, VCU Breast Imaging specialist and Assistant Professor, joined Dr. Robert Winn, Medical Director of the VCU Massey Cancer Center, to provide information about the latest trends in breast cancer early detection and prevention during the Links in Pink: Detection is Protection webinar organized by the Virginia chapter of The Links, Incorporated. The Links, an international, non-for-profit corporation founded in 1946, has a long tradition of engaging in educational, civic and inter-cultural activities in communities.
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- September 2021
- Michelle Futrell, M.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., Senior Lung Cancer Screening Nurse Program Coordinator, has been selected to serve as the representative for early detection lung cancer screening on the 2023-2027 Virginia Cancer Plan Advisory Committee. The Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia (CACV) specialists with knowledge across the cancer continuum, and citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia work together to create the Virginia Cancer Plan. The plan services as a road map on how to address the burden of cancer in Virginia. The Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia mission and purpose is to facilitate collaborative partnerships among public health agencies, private organizations, individuals and families to carry out recommended cancer control activities. CACV focuses on prevention, early detection, treatment, advocacy, research and evaluation of cancer across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- August 2021
- Pei-Jan Paul Lin, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Division of Diagnostic Medical Physics, co-authored research, "Accuracy of half-value layer (HVL) measurements utilizing solid state detectors for radiography and fluoroscopy X-ray systems" was recently published in the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics. Follow the link to the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics and read the open access publication.
- July 2021
- In response to the surge in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) cases in India, Siddhi Shah, M.D., VCU Radiologist and Assistant Professor specializing in Emergency Radiology and Neuroradiology, and her husband Jagdip Shah, M.D., retired VCU Anesthesiologist, donated $750,000 in equipment and clinical care support to communities with significant medical need. The equipment, including oxygen concentrators and ventilators, went to hospital ICU units with the logistics and distribution coordinated by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). Allocation of the medical equipment was based on urgency with aid going to hospitals in the epicenters of India’s COVID-19 crisis. The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) recognized the Shahs for their philanthropic support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presenting the couple with an award of recognition at the association’s July 2021 annual convention. Speaking for her and her husband, Dr. Siddhi Shah said, “It’s a blessing that our clinical experience and our relationships with the medical community in India changed the outcomes for so many families. We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from AAPI, and we hope that our effort inspires compassion and acts of kindness especially among young people and those in medical community.”
- The VCU Department of Radiology expands breast imaging services and the Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening Program to VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. Breast imaging services available at VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital include screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast MRI and breast ultrasound. VCU breast imaging specialists are part of an interdisciplinary team that includes pathologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, and geneticists, all who have special training in breast cancer. The Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening Program, Virginia’s first American College of Radiology-Designated multidisciplinary lung cancer screening center, is recognized by the Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer as a Screening Center of Excellence in Central Virginia. Fellowship trained thoracic radiologists use low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) technology to provide lung cancer screening care for patients throughout Virginia. The specially trained radiologists work in conjunction with Pulmonary Medicine, Thoracic Surgery and Smoking Cessation to offer complete patient care.
- June 2021
- Malcolm K. Sydnor Jr., M.D., Vice Chair of Quality and Safety for the Department of Radiology, Division-Chair of Vascular and Interventional Radiology Division, and Medical Director of the VCU Health Baird Vascular Institute, receives promotion to full Professor effective July 1, 2021 for his accomplishments as a clinician, teacher and mentor. Dr. Sydnor is a graduate of the VCU School of Medicine where he also completed his radiology residency before completing his vascular and interventional radiology fellowship at the University of Virginia. Dr. Sydnor has subsequently worked at VCU for his entire career where he has specialized in minimally-invasive, image-guided procedures. In addition to his exceptional clinical work, Sydnor’s research encompasses saphenous vein ablation, trauma, and other topics. He has given numerous lectures on the regional and national stage, and his research and other academic endeavors have made a significant impact to the field of interventional radiology. He has also trained more than 100 Radiology residents and over 20 Vascular Interventional Radiology fellows. “I could not be more proud of Dr. Sydnor's promotion to professor as this is an important recognition of his academic work. One of the greatest rewards of a department chair is to witness a resident become an outstanding radiologist, remarks Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., Chair of the Department of Radiology. “I appreciate his many contributions to our Department and University not only as an interventional radiologist but also as an educator and leader. His service as Division Chair of Interventional Radiology and as Vice Chair of Quality and Safety is invaluable!”.
- Yang Tang, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Emergency Radiology and Director of Quality Assurance for Diagnostic Radiology, is granted promotion to Associate Professor effective July 1, 2021. The promotion recognizes his substantive contributions to research and teaching, and his clinical expertise in the field of emergency radiology. Dr. Tang earned a M.D. from the Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, China and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati. He completed his radiology residency at the VCU School of Medicine and his neuroradiology fellowship at the University of Virginia. In addition to emergency and trauma radiology, Tang’s areas of interest include neuroradiology, quality and safety, and neurovascular disease. Well published, Tang has authored books including, Atlas of Emergency Neurovascular Imaging and Emergency Neurology – A Case Based Approach, as well as several peer-reviewed papers and articles. “Dr. Tang is a self-motivated, talented, productive, and energetic radiologist who performs at an extremely high level in all facets of academic life – teaching, scholarship, and service, “ said Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., Chair of the Department of Radiology. “As soon as I worked with Dr. Tang during his first year of radiology residency, I was impressed by his work ethic and breadth of knowledge. I knew with certainty that he was a radiology star in the making,”
- Mark S. Parker, M.D., FACR and Elizabeth K. Proffitt, M.D. presented, "Update on 2021 United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines" for the VCU Department of Internal Medicine Spring 2021 Medical Grand Rounds on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Medical Grand Rounds presentations are both virtual and in-person learning opportunities. Parker is Professor for Diagnostic Radiology and Internal Medicine, Director of the Thoracic Imaging Division, Director of the Thoracic Imaging Fellowship Program, and Director of the Early Detection. Parker is a member of the American College of Radiology National Lung Cancer Screening 2.0 Steering Committee and Lung Cancer Screening Incidental Findings Subcommittee. He is Assistant Professor for Diagnostic Radiology and a member of the American College of Radiology National Lung Cancer Screening Registry’s Subcommittee on Quality Improvement & Education.
- May 2021
- Michelle Futrell, VCU Radiology Lung Cancer Screening Nurse Navigator, and Program Coordinator featured on WTVR News 6 Buddy Check during Nurses' Week 2021. Futrell discovered a lump during a breast self-exam leaving her fighting and surviving breast cancer during much of 2019. Click on this WTVR Buddy Check link to watch the video and read her courageous story to learn how her journey helps her connect with patients.
- Nurses' Week 2021 ran from May 6th through May 12th this year and Central Virginia media shine spotlight on two VCU Department of Radiology nurses. Rachel Grace Reisinger who became a nurse in 2012 and currently works within Interventional Radiology is one of several nurses in Central Virginia featured in "Nurses: The Heart of Health Care" a special publication of The Richmond Times-Dispatch. Reisinger also helps care for patients with COVID-19 and, when off duty, volunteers to give the COVID-19 vaccine.
- April 2021
- VCU School of Medicine Dean, Peter F. Buckley, M.D., recommends Dr. Ann Fulcher, M’87, H’91, as the series’ inaugural speaker for the "Who We Are" alumni speaker series because of her many career achievements – leading to her current position as chair of the school’s Department of Radiology – and her success as a photographer. The VCU School of Medicine alumni speaker series, “Who We Are,” kicked off February 2021 to bolster experiential learning during COVID-19. The series offers students a sense of connection and a glimpse of the future.
- Elizabeth Kate Proffitt, M.D. and John D. Grizzard, M.D. from the VCU Department of Radiology Cardiothoracic Imaging section present an educational scientific exhibit on, "When Right is Wrong: A Cardiac MRI Imaging Review of Isolated Right Ventricle Enlargement” at the American Roentgen Ray Society Virtual & On Demand Annual Meeting.
- Neeraj Lalwani, M.D., abdominal imaging specialist and associate professor for the VCU Department of Radiology is the featured guest editor for Volume 56, Issue 2 of Seminars in Roentgenology. The editorial focus for this issue is colorectal cancers.
- Laura R. Carucci, MD, FACR, FSAR has been named Chief of the Abdominal Imaging section for the VCU Department of Radiology. Dr. Carucci completed her radiology residency and fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. She then joined the VCU School of Medicine faculty and has risen to the rank of full professor. She has held multiple leadership positions in the department including Director of Computed Tomography (CT), Director of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Director of Abdominal MRI. In 2020, she received the prestigious award of Fellow of the American College of Radiology. Dr. Carucci specializes in gastrointestinal imaging and genitourinary imaging as well as performs and interprets abdominal and pelvic CT, MRI and GI/GU fluoroscopy studies. She is a well-respected professor and researcher, and is nationally known for her exceptional clinical skills and compassionate patient care. Dr. Carucci's clinical research interests include, bariatric imaging, postoperative GI and GU imaging, and luminal GI tract imaging. Dr. Carucci is the Chair of the Society of Abdominal Radiology GERD disease-focused panel and serves on the editorial board of RadioGraphics as Associate Editor and chair of gastrointestinal imaging.
- Neeraj Lalwani, MD, abdominal imaging specialist and associate professor for the VCU Department of Radiology, has partnered with MRI Online to offer a comprehensive continuing medical education series on pancreas imaging. The course is part of the MRI Online Imaging Mastery Series and includes 45 videos for 160 minutes of informative content. Dr. Lalwani reviews current techniques for imaging the pancreas and discusses pancreas anatomy, protocols, metastatic disease and surgical procedures. MRI Online is an online continuing education resource providing courses and cases for practicing radiologists to expand their radiology expertise across all modalities. MRI Online partners with proven educators to create training opportunities for radiologists in every stage of their career.
- March 2021
- Three faculty members from the VCU Department of Radiology Cardiothoracic Imaging section present at the Society of Thoracic Radiology - Thoracic Imaging 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting and Resident Bootcamp, March 6-10, 2021. Franklin Dana, M.D. to present on two topics: "The Superior Mediastinum & Thoracic Inlet," at the Resident Bootcamp and "Primary and Secondary Lesions of the Tracheobronchial Tree and Interventional Therapies," at the Annual Meeting. Shaimaa A. Fadl, M.D. to present a lecture on, "Imaging of Pulmonary Tuberculosis," at the Annual Meeting. Mark S. Parker, M.D. to present a lecture on, "Test Your Skills and Knowledge on the Lateral Chest X-ray," at the Annual Meeting.
- Faculty members from the VCU Department of Radiology Cardiothoracic Imaging section give 'Case of the Day' presentations at the Society of Thoracic Radiology - Thoracic Imaging 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting and Resident Bootcamp, March 6-10, 2021. Elizabeth Kate Proffitt, M.D. to present, "Myositis Ossificans of the Chest Wall" and Leila Rezai Gharai, M.D. to present, "The Heart Which Turned Pale".
- Priti Shah, M.D. joins Tea + Talk "COVID Vaccine and Breast Health" panel discussion. Dr. Shah, breast imaging specialist with the VCU Department of Radiology, joins the Tea + Talk panel discussion on the COVID-19 vaccine and breast health. Dr. Shah along with other breast health specialists discuss how the COVID-19 vaccine may impact women who have had breast cancer or who are getting breast screening. The virtual panel discussion guests include Priti Shah, MD (Director of Breast Imaging, VCU Massey Cancer Center), Kara Friend, MD (Breast Surgeon, Riverside), and Kandace McGuire, MD (Chief of Breast Surgery + Surgical Leader of the Breast Health Program, VCU Massey Cancer Center). Visit Here for the Girls to learn more about Tea + Talk.
- Josephina A. Vossen, M.D., Ph.D. named Chief of the Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention (MSK) section for the VCU Department of Radiology. Dr. Vossen is an associate professor, as well as the Radiology Residency Education Director, Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Program Associate Director, and Medical Director for MSK at Stony Point Radiology. She is also a member of the VCU Radiology Residency Clinical Competency and Curriculum Committees.
- Ann S. Fulcher, MD, FACR, FSAR, Professor and Chair of the VCU Department of Radiology, awarded the 2021 Gold Medal from the Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR). The Gold Medal is the highest honor presented by the Society and it's awarded to individuals who have made significant and continuous contributions to the field of abdominal radiology. SAR is a leading professional society for abdominal radiologists with over 1,500 members. The Society's vision, as stated on their website, is to "optimize patient health by leading advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of abdominal disease." Among Dr. Ann Fulcher's many career accomplishments in abdominal radiology, she pioneered early work on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for the non-invasive imaging and diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary disease. Today, this procedure is commonly used throughout the world.
- February 2021
- Pei-Jan Paul Lin, Ph.D., Professor with the VCU Department of Radiology, Chair of the Division of Diagnostic Medical Physics and Chief Medical Physicist for VCU Health, receives the 2020 Outstanding Reviewer Award for the Radiological Physics and Technology Journal. Dr. Lin will be presented with the award virtually during the Japan Radiology Congress held April 2021. Radiological Physics and Technology is the official journal of the Japanese Society of Radiological Technology, the Japan Society of Medical Physics and the Asia-Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics.
- Dr. Jacqueline Urbine, pediatric imaging specialist with the VCU Department of Radiology, shares the latest news about the Wonder Tower at Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) at VCU during a WTVR CBS 6 News Virginia This Morning segment (opens in a new window). The new facility will replace the existing pediatric inpatient unit in downtown Richmond with private rooms, new operating rooms, state-of-the-art imaging capacity, emergency services and family amenities.
- January 2021
- The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) Virtual Symposium on COVID-19: Clinical Features and Spectrum of Imaging Findings online January 22, 2021 features VCU Department of Radiology Mark S. Parker, M.D., as course director, and Shaimaa Fadl, M.D. Dr. Parker to begin the symposium with a course introduction and speak on the, "Emergence of COVID-19 and the Subsequent Pandemic Herd Immunity / Vaccine Development and Update". Dr. Fadl to present, "Use of Prone Positioning in Patients with COVID-19 and Interpretation Challenges."
Jump to 2019 Headlines
- October 2020
- Neeraj Lalwani, M.D.'s presentation, “Challenges, Stressors and Coping in Radiology Residency" is a feature in the 2020 RSNA Daily Bulletin. The Daily Bulletin is the official publication of the Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Dr. Lalwani's presentation is part of a session focused on creating a culture of well-being in education. Follow the link to watch the presentation on YouTube: Neeraj Lalwani, M.D. Presentation
- Christopher Ovanez, M.D., a diagnostic radiology resident (PGY5/R4) resident with the VCU Department of Radiology wins two awards at the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) 2020 virtual annual meeting, including: Summa Cum Laude Award for the best oral scientific presentation by an attending, resident/fellow, or medical student and the John H. Harris, Jr., MD Award for the best scientific oral presentation by a trainee. The awards relate to Minimal Aortic Injury Detected on CT Angiography During Initial Trauma Imaging: Single Academic Level 1 Trauma Center Experience, authored by Christopher Ovanez, M.D., Leila Rezai Gharai, M.D., Mark S. Parker M.D., William Goodman, D.O. Learn more about our Radiology Residency Program.
- September 2020
- Josephina A Vossen, M.D., Ph.D. co-authors "Automatic Characterization of Pelvic and Sacral Measures from 200 Subjects" to appear in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. The investigation for the paper was performed at VCU.
- Neeraj Lalwani, M.D., DABR, FSAR co-authors "Imaging of Colorectal Cancer: Screening, Staging & Surveillance" appearing in Seminars of Roentgenology and "MRI of Common Penile Pathologies and Penile Prostheses" appearing in Abdominal Radiology.
- August 2020
- Christopher Ovanez, M.S., M.P.H., M.D. is a diagnostic radiology resident (PGY5/R4) with the VCU Department of Radiology and a Virginia Chapter of the American College of Radiology (VCACR) Resident Abstract Award winner. Dr. Ovanez successfully presented his winning abstract, Minimal Aortic Injury Detected on CT Angiography During Initial Trauma Imaging: Single Academic Level 1 Trauma Experience, at the virtual VCACR annual meeting. He has been involved in numerous research activities resulting in publications and presentations, as well as receiving recognition and awards.
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Three VCU Radiologists elected as Alternate Councilors for the Board of the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Radiology (ACR), including:
- Jacqueline Urbine, M.D., Associate Professor and Chief of Pediatric Imaging
- Elizabeth K Proffitt, M.D., Assistant Professor with Cardiothoracic Imaging
- Mary A Turner, M.D., FACR, FSAR, Professor, Vice Chair of the VCU Department of Radiology, and Director of Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Radiology
The Virginia Chapter of the American College of Radiology (VCACR) is a professional organization dedicated to improving the health of Virginians by making medical imaging safe, effective and accessible to those who need it.
- July 2020
- VCU Breast Imaging Centers at Nelson Clinic and Stony Point 9000 pass annual Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) inspection by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The inspection involves a rigorous on-site review of practices and documentation. Annual evaluations of breast imaging facilities focuses on quality standards including, for example, equipment performance, quality assurance (QA) records, quality Control (QC) reports and tests, and qualification records of staff. The Mammography Quality Standards Act, passed in 1992 with final regulations effective in 1999, established national quality standards for mammography. The MQSA requires mammography facilities to meet final regulations and obtain accreditation by the FDA. Learn more about our breast imaging section.
- The American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) Scientific Program Subcommittee accepts oral presentation by members of the VCU Department of Radiology for the 2020 ASER virtual meeting. The oral presentation, Minimal Aortic Injury Detected on CT Angiography During Initial Trauma Imaging: Single Academic Level 1 Trauma Center Experience, was authored by Christopher Ovanez, M.D., Leila Rezai Gharai, M.D., Mark S. Parker M.D., William Goodman, D.O. This oral presentation was previously presented at the March 2020 Society of Thoracic Radiology Meeting by Christopher Ovanez, M.D. where he won 1st Place.
- Shaimaa Fadl, M.D., assistant professor in the cardiothoracic imaging section, receives the 2020 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Honored Educator Award for her dedication to furthering the profession of radiology by delivering an array of educational resources in the past calendar year for the RSNA. Established in 2011, the RSNA Honored Educator Award recognizes members who produce high-quality educational content for the RSNA. The RSNA showcases the award recipients on its website and in RSNA News. Learn more about the cardiothoracic imaging section and Dr. Fadl.
- The VCU Department of Radiology expands to offer medical imaging services on the campus of William & Mary.
- June 2020
- Mark S. Parker, M.D., Cardiothoracic Imaging Co-section Chief and Professor of Diagnostic Radiology and Internal Medicine, participates on the American College of Radiology RADPEER Committee contributing to the preparation of, "Forty-One Million RADPEER Reviews Later: What We Have Learned and Are Still Learning", an original Clinical Practice Management article available via the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR) website.
- The VCU Department of Radiology expands to offer advanced medical imaging, including digital X-ray, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) at the VCU Health Emergency Center at New Kent.
- May 2020
- The VCU School of Medicine awards Josephina A. Vossen, M.D., Ph.D. a well deserved promotion to Associate Professor. Dr. Vossen is a musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist who serves as Director of the Radiology Residency Education Program, Associate Director of the Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency Program, and MSK Medical Director at VCU Health Stony Point. Follow the link to read more about Dr. Vossen and the Radiology Residency Program.
- Laura R. Carucci, M.D., Professor of Radiology, receives prestige award of Fellow of the American College of Radiology (FACR) at the American College of Radiology annual (virtual) meeting. The Fellowship is a high honor and is awarded for a longstanding career dedicated to outstanding contributions to the field of radiology. Visit our Abdominal Imaging web page to learn more about Dr. Carucci and her specialty.
- April 2020
- Three physicians from the Department of Radiology at VCU Health, Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., FACR and Gregory Vorona, M.D. for Diagnostic Radiology, and Brian Strife, M.D. for Interventional Radiology were named in the list of Richmond Magazine Top Doctors 2020 (a new window to an external site will open).
- "Characterization and verification of lead thickness of commercially available lead foil tape for the measurements of lead equivalency of radio-protective shields" by professor Pei-Jan Paul Lin, Ph.D., Ryan Wargo, M.S., DABR, and Ph.D. student Areej Aljabal is the last in a series of three papers accepted for publication in the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics (JACMP).
- March 2020
- Jayashree Parekh, M.D. named Chair of the Division of Nuclear Medicine for the VCU Department of Radiology.
- Radiology resident, Jay Pham, featured in VCU News, "Class of 2020: Former nail salon owner and father of five gets ‘second chance’ with career in medicine" article.
- January 2020
- The VCU Health Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening program was featured by Charles Fishburne on VPM NPR News. Listen to the story at VCU Health's Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Saves Lives (a new window will open).
- Dream comes true for VCU Health Lung Cancer Screening nurse navigator and program coordinator, Michelle Futrell, MSN, MBA, RN, who was a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune with her episode airing Monday, January 20, 2020 on Richmond's local channel 8 (WRIC). The Wheel of Fortune is a syndicated television game show where contestants spin a wheel to guess individual letters, buy vowels and win chances to solve hidden phrases. Read Michelle's story on 8News (a new window will open).
- November 2019
- Radiologist, Brian Strife, M.D., was recognized with a 2019 Best Bedside Manner Award, an annual honor presented by OurHealth Magazine. Eighty VCU Health providers were recognized and 16 providers, including Brian Strife, M.D., placed first in their medical specialty. Recipients were selected based on votes from community members and medical professionals in Richmond.
- June 2019
- The VCU Department of Radiology expands musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging services at the Short Pump Pavilion (formerly N.O.W. Center) with the acquisition of new 128-slice computed topography (CT), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and 3 Tesla MRI scanners.
- April 2019
- Four physicians from the Department of Radiology at VCU Health, Ann S. Fulcher, M.D. and Jinxing Yu, M.D. for Diagnostic Radiology, and Brian Strife, M.D. and Malcolm Sydnor Jr., M.D. for Interventional Radiology were named in the list of Richmond Magazine Top Doctors 2019 (a new window will open).
- February 2019
- Laura R. Carucci, M.D. from the Department of Radiology at VCU Health was nominated by her peers in the list of Virginia Living Top Doctors 2019 (a new window will open).
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- 2018
- The Department of Radiology's Priti Shah, M.D. won first place in the 2018 OurHealth Magazine for Richmond's Best Bedside Manners in the specialty of Radiology, as recognized by the public.
- October 2018
- The Department of Radiology at VCU Health was featured in a Radiology Business story, "Real-time Analytics Help VCU Health Radiologists Care Optimization".
- September 2018
- April 2018
- Six VCU Health Department of Radiology providers named Top Docs 2018 by Richmond Magazine. Congratulations to the 2018 Top Docs winners John Grizzard, M.D. and Jinxing Yu, M.D. for Diagnostic Radiology; Gordon Morano, M.D., Brian Strife, M.D., and Malcolm Sydnor Jr., M.D. for Interventional Radiology; and Gregory Vorona, M.D. for Diagnostic Radiology at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Review the complete list at VCU Health Top Docs of 2018 by Richmond Magazine (a new window will open).
- April 2018
- Three VCU Health Department of Radiology physicians among Virginia Living's Top Doctors of 2018 list. Congratulations to Top Doctors in Radiology Ann S. Fulcher, M.D., FACR, Curtis Hayes, M.D., FACR, and Mary Ann Turner, M.D., FACR. Review the VCU Health provider list of Virginia Livings Top Doctors of 2018 (a new window will open).
- October 2017
- Uma R. Prasad, M.D. honored with MCV Physicians Distinguished Clinician Award for commitment to providing exceptional patient care
- June 2017
- Reducing Radiation Exposure in Medical Imaging: How Radiology is Making a Difference, One Patient at a Time (External Link: Radiology Business)
- November 2013
- Mary Ann Turner, M.D., FACR honored with the Irby-James Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching for her long-term and significant impact on clinical education at VCU. In 2011 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Gastrointestinal Radiologists.
- August 2013
- Inaugural edition of the VCU Department of Radiology Image of Excellence newsletter
- May 21, 2012
- The Lung Cancer Alliance designates VCU Medical Center's Lung Cancer Screening Program as a Screening Center of Excellence (SCOE) offering best practices and demonstrating a commitment to responsible, high-quality screening practices. This designation ensures that low dose CT screening for lung cancer is done in a safe, efficient and equitable manner.
- May 21, 2012
- The Department of Radiology at VCU Health Systems launched the first American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited multidisciplinary Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening Program in Virginia.