04.28.2008

The new neurointerventional biplane room installation at Parnassus
Photo: George Butco

As of April 1, 2008, the Department of Radiology has become the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging. What prompted the change?

According to Chair Ronald L. Arenson, MD, he and the faculty leadership felt it was time for the name to reflect the department's current expertise and scope. The change acknowledges both the vital role of PhD researchers in the department and the range of research and clinical activities.

"Over the last decade, the UCSF Radiology and Biomedical Imaging departmental research enterprise has grown dramatically. It is now second in NIH funding among all departments of radiology nationwide", said Arenson.

The department's expansion to China Basin and QB3 five years ago has helped to speed its research success by providing the space to grow biomedical imaging programs. But the department's success has been largely driven by a dedicated group of research-oriented faculty, spanning bioengineering, biomedical and translational clinical research.

The number of PhD faculty and non-faculty academic research staff is now nearly equal to the number of MDs. This situation, unique among clinical departments, is what encouraged the faculty leadership to recognize the changing face of the department.

Beyond "X-Rays"

Radiology, as a discipline, has moved away from "x-rays" and into new and exciting methods of imaging technology, including molecular imaging. The tools used by the faculty are no longer based solely on ionizing radiation, nor does the typical radiologist assess X-rays.

Faculty are involved in developing new techniques to improve the use of imaging as a diagnostic marker for disease presence and progression. Clinical and translational researchers are involved in a variety of collaborative efforts with colleagues across campus to develop new tools, techniques and technologies to improve the use of imaging for diagnosis and treatment.

The next frontier for the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging is Molecular Imaging, which brings together a diverse group of imaging technologies to focus on diagnosis and therapy at the molecular or metabolic system level. Advances in genomics, proteonomics, imaging, drug development and bioengineering will transform medical research, teaching and clinical care during the next decade.

"The NIH is positioning itself to concentrate funding in these molecular-based sciences, and in translational applications, to improve health on a personalized basis and to reduce the cost and time for the development of new diagnostic tools and therapies", said Arenson. "The Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging intends to take full advantage of these opportunities and to remain a leader in both imaging science and patient care."

Source: Cathy Garzio