Ann Fulcher, M.D., Takes Helm as President of the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments
Department of Radiology Chair and Professor, Ann Fulcher, M.D., took the helm as president of the Board of Directors for the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) at its October 2024 annual meeting in Nashville, TN. A member of SCARD since 2003, she will serve a 1-year term as president.
Dr. Fulcher previously served on SCARD's Board of Directors in several roles, including treasurer and president-elect. She will be the first person selected from Virginia, the first person from VCU, and the third woman in the organization’s history, founded in 1966, to hold the presidency.
Photo features Ann Fulcher, M.D., with the rest of 2024-2025 SCARD board members at the Fall 2024 annual meeting. Photo courtesy: SCARD
Strategic Partnership Provides Lifesaving Patient Care
Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and VCU Health Partner to Provide Lifesaving Breast Cancer Screenings and Diagnostics
Patients across Virginia are one step closer to accessing critical breast health services, thanks to a new partnership between the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) and VCU Health. VBCF is expanding its Screening and Diagnostic Services Fund to central Virginia to help low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals access essential services, including mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds, and MRIs.
"Every week, I hear stories of individuals canceling diagnostic appointments due to financial concerns. One woman declined a diagnostic mammogram after learning she'd owe $1,500. Sadly, these financial barriers can lead to delayed diagnoses and more advanced, costlier treatments," said Dr. Priti Shah.
VBCF's Screening and Diagnostic Services Fund helps people who earn up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is about $60,240 for one person or $124,800 for a family of four. The program works with local hospitals to provide services at Medicaid rates, ensuring that out-of-pocket health costs do not delay essential testing. Learn more about the VBCF Fund.
Breast Cancer Diagnostics: Breaking Barriers for Better Care
Dr. Priti Shah discusses the importance of bridging the gap between screening and diagnosis with equitable access to healthcare in a recent blog article for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. Read Dr. Shah's blog article.
Mark Parker, M.D., Selected to Speak at the British Institute of Radiology Congress in London
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) Outreach International Committee and Global Partner Exchange Program Chair selected Professor and Cardiothoracic Radiology Co-Section Chief Mark Parker, M.D., to represent the organization at the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) Annual Congress. Dr. Parker spoke on "Chest Imaging in Critical Care" during the "Chest Imaging from Cradle to Grave" session.
The BIR Annual Congress took place on November 7–8, 2024 at the IET Savoy Place in London. The theme for the 2024 Congress was "Optimizing multidisciplinary patient care" and organizers delivered a comprehensive program that encouraged a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
Dr. Parker and the current President of the ARRS, Angelisa M. Paladin, M.D., were the only ARRS members selected to speak at this year's Congress. The invitation was a tremendous honor and acknowledges Dr. Parker's expertise and reputation on the global stage.
New Faculty
Welcome Our Newest Faculty Members to the Radiology Team.
Imran Ahmed, D.O., joins us remotely from northern Virginia as a general diagnostic radiologist. Imran earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his diagnostic radiology residency at the NYU Winthrop Hospital. In 2021, he finished his fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, and for the last four years, he has been practicing at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.
Gerald Capps, M.D., joins our Department remotely from North Carolina as a general diagnostic radiologist. He has been practicing radiology for nearly 32 years in North Carolina. Before his group merged with Eastern Radiologists, he exclusively covered UNC Health Nash, and after the merger, he primarily served UNC Health Nash. Dr. Capps is an alumnus, completing his radiology residency and body imaging fellowship at VCU.
Nicole Markwith, M.D., joins our Breast Imaging section after completing her breast imaging fellowship at Vanderbilt University and her diagnostic radiology residency at VCU. Prior to coming to VCU, she earned her medical degree at the University of Florida and completed a transitional year at Orange Park Medical Center.
Neuroradiology Offers New Fellowship Program
VCU Neuroradiology launches two, new one-year, ACGME-accredited, diagnostic neuroradiology fellowships at VCU Health. The Neuroradiology section has eight fellowship-trained neuroradiologists who will work hands-on with fellows. An additional two fellowship-trained pediatric neuroradiologists will also contribute to the education of the fellows during their dedicated pediatric neuroradiology rotations. Neuroradiology fellows will receive training in the full spectrum of neuroradiology topics and modalities, including advanced imaging techniques. The goal is to train radiologists who are well prepared to enter practice as both clinical and academic neuroradiologists.
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