The 61 clinical Faculty of the University of Chicago Medical Center within the Department of Radiology work in concert with the administrative and technical staff to provide excellence in patient care, teaching and research. The sub specialized training and practice of these radiologists focuses a wealth of expertise in diagnostic imaging and intervention. The Sections represent the administrative structure of the professional staff, with the Section Heads responsible for all aspects of patient care, quality assurance, teaching and academics within their subspecialties. The Section Chiefs work in conjunction with Dr. Steven Montner, Interim Chairman, Dr. Thuong Van Ha, Associate Vice Chair for Operations, Dr. Steven Zangan, Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs & Quality and Dr. Paul Chang, Vice Chair of Informatics.
The Radiologists within the Department represent a significant resource for the Medical Center physicians and their patients, and are intimately involved in diagnosis and treatment. Consultations occur continuously among UCMC faculty, and multiple interdisciplinary conferences further focus the clinical capabilities of the Department members. This ongoing contact also promotes the Departmental research program, which involves multiple funded projects, often in conjunction with the Basic Science faculty and our clinical counterparts. This has led to a series of medical advances, including most recently the expansion of breast imaging, with an emphasis on the role of MR, new applications of digital imaging, including the development of computer assisted detection software, novel interventional therapeutic procedures and virtual colonography.
The Faculty are deeply involved with education, and participate in the basic science curriculum of the School of Medicine, as well as medical student elective rotations. Training of radiology residents is considered a critical responsibility, and the educational program is continually improved and expanded to meet the needs of our specialty. Many of the Sections also provide the opportunity for specialty training of fellows, after completion of their residency requirements. The Faculty participate in continuing medical education endeavors outside the Department, and are frequently invited to contribute to teaching programs throughout the world.
The University of Chicago radiologists are internationally recognized for their clinical, educational and research skills, and hold many prominent positions in key imaging societies, leading radiology publications and governmental agencies. This national involvement provides the opportunity to shape policy and improve care for our patients, as well as patients throughout the country. The Department’s relationship with industry has promoted the development and commercialization of cutting edge equipment and techniques.
The Department has committed time and resources to a comprehensive quality assurance program which integrates physician and non-physician key indicators in conjunction with national guidelines and evidence based practice. This allows the continual improvement of procedures and processes that impact our patients on a daily basis. Currently, the Medical Center’s information technology group has worked closely with our radiology specialties to provide quality improvement techniques as part of our picture archiving and communications system (PACS). This has allowed rapid communication of examination results, in conjunction with a voice dictation system, and the accrual of information into quality improvement databases.