Last week, faculty and trainees in Vanderbilt’s Department of Radiology attended the 103rd Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2017 Annual Meeting in Chicago.
The largest radiology industry meeting in the world, RSNA this year brought together more than 71,000 radiology leaders to connect and engage around the latest advances in medical imaging, technology and research.
“The Vanderbilt community generated more energy and impact at this year’s RSNA than ever before,” said Reed Omary, M.D., M.S., Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and Chair. “We were remarkably visible across a spectrum of highly prominent and engaging activities.”
Educational and scientific abstracts by radiology residents Drs. Meaghan Magarik, Karthik Sundaram and William Winter were selected among 11,000 submissions for presentation at RSNA.
Dr. Magarik’s research, “Evaluation of the Cervix and Lower Uterine Segment in Pregnancy,” reviewed sonographic imaging techniques and normal/abnormal appearance of the cervix and lower uterine segment during the first, second and third trimester. Radiology faculty Drs. Lucy Spalluto and Christine Dove co-authored the study.
An abstract presented by Dr. Sundaram, “Therapeutic Ultrasound Ablation (TUA) of the Prostate: A Review of Available Devices and Evidence,” described various commercial devices for prostate TUA and highlighted different approaches to treatment. Fellow resident Dr. Samuel Pevzner and faculty Dr. Sandeep Arora co-authored the study.
Dr. Winter’s abstract, “Essentials for Establishing a Successful MR-US Fusion Biopsy Program,” reviewed PI-RADS v2 recommendations for multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging, SAR-AUA guidelines and implementation of a quality assurance program with integrated continued medical education credit. The study was co-authored by fellow resident Drs. Samuel Pevzner and Karthik Sundaram and radiology faculty Drs. Geoffrey Wile and Sandeep Arora.
A pop-up educational session led by Dr. Omary, Vice Chair of Education Lori Deitte, M.D., and departmental communications coordinator Christy Latshaw, highlighted the role of design thinking in improving medical education, patient care and facilitating resident interview processes. Prior to the session taking place, it was promoted online via social media, and generated a significant amount of participation and interest among radiology's top social media influencers.
Incoming Vanderbilt neuroradiology fellow Courtney Tomblinson, M.D., attended the pop-up session and said, it was “a great format to promote engagement, sharing and learning in healthcare.”
RadX Innovation Challenge team Umsindo was one of four teams selected to participate in the Academy of Radiology Research & Biomedical Imaging’s “Shark Tank” event at RSNA. The team, led by Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science graduate student Vandiver Chaplin, M.S., pitched their business plan for a portable, low-cost, quality ultrasound scanner for physicians in underdeveloped countries.
“Team Umsindo did a wonderful job,” said Vice Chair of Innovation Rick Abramson, M.D. “Although the session was a 'draw' with no winner selected, we congratulate them for their selection to this prestigious event and thank them for representing Vanderbilt Radiology and RadX on the national stage!”
Many Vanderbilt residents attending RSNA participated in the Resident and Fellow Symposium, which included daily panel discussions and networking opportunities to aid trainees in their career path.
“The Radiology Resident Symposium was a very high-yield session,” said Dr. Magarik, who was recently elected to the RSNA Resident and Fellow Committee. “One of the highlights was a panel featuring radiologists, including Dr. Omary, from different practice settings. The discussion focused on the unique features of different practice settings and the pathways which led the panelists to their particular practice setting.”
Research faculty Drs. Eduard Chekmenev and Victoria Morgan were also formally presented with the Academy of Radiology Research & Biomedical Imaging’s 2017 Distinguished Educator awards.
In addition, the Vanderbilt Radiology Society hosted its annual RSNA Reception for current and former Vanderbilt Radiology members at Cindy’s Rooftop downtown.
“The reception was a terrific,” said Dr. Omary. “It’s exciting to get together with the Vanderbilt community – past and present – while at RSNA.”
“Overall, RSNA was an amazing experience filled with education, networking and fun,” added Dr. Magarik. “I was able to meet, connect and share ideas with residents and experts from around the country. More than ever, I felt I was part of a really energized group of radiology leaders and am eager to share ideas and programming with our department.”
The department will host an informal RSNA debrief on Wednesday, December 13, from noon to 1 p.m. in MCN CCC-1111. All Radiology faculty and trainees are encouraged to attend.
Dr. Winter presents his abstract at RSNA17.
Photo courtesy of William Winter, M.D.
Dr. Lori Deitte (left) co-hosts a pop-up educational session on design thinking in healthcare.
Photo courtesy of Reed Omary, M.D., M.S.
Dr. Omary (left) pictured with 2017 Distinguished Investigator recipients Drs. Victoria Morgan (center) and Eduard Chekmenev (right).
Photo courtesy of Dr. Omary.
