Robert I. Grossman, M.D.
Occasionally I reflect about where our department is today. During the past year we have launched a practice at the NYU Clinical Cancer Center containing the latest Siemens PET/CT, digital mammography, and breast MR. The Center for Biomedical Imaging has opened with two 3 Tesla and one 7 Tesla whole body MR magnets and a 64 slice CT scanner, all dedicated to research. The modernized Faculty Practice Radiology Office (see p. 30) is now completely operational and renovations to Tisch 2 are currently progressing. The Siemens PACs is fully implemented and digital images are available throughout our hospital network. But all of these “things” just serve to facilitate the efforts of the wonderful individuals who are members of our department. NYU Radiology has been blessed by the good fortune of having so many dedicated and talented people at every level of its infrastructure. It is to each and every one of them that we owe our incredible success.
Patients who obtain their care at NYU Radiology will not only be imaged on state-of-the-art machines, but these images will be interpreted by the finest radiologists in the country, with the latest techniques, implemented in a contemporaneous fashion.
Our department prides itself on meeting the highest standard in quality patient care. This is critical but is not enough. In addition to outstanding clinical care our mission is to educate and perform research. These last two tasks are the essence of a research university and distinguish us from a private practice. We take these obligations seriously and are constantly engaged in improvement. Our reputation attracts the best resident and fellow candidates to our training program. This serves to challenge our staff and enhance performance. So it is the combination of people, facilities, and research that propel this magnificent enterprise.
Exciting new research opportunities are now within reach as a result of our investment in high field imaging. We are in the process of acquiring a 7 Tesla animal magnet which, in combination with our existing whole body 7 Tesla magnet, will allow us to translate advances in animal research immediately to human disease. The department is investing in molecular imaging, particularly focused on magnetic resonance and PET.
With respect to education, we are in the final stages of redesigning a core curriculum combining case conferences with didactic lectures. The curriculum will cycle every two years. Our residents’ active participation in research further expands their educational experience. Scores on the recent national examination were superb, speaking to the quality of the NYU residency program.
It is interesting to note that over the past year we have recruited 18 physicians and scientists! This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the competitive nature of academic radiology.
The energy and enthusiasm engendered in our department is infectious. It is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to lead this endeavor. I am deeply grateful to all of the members of our department for their significant contributions. They deserve the credit for our achievements.
There are many individuals who have participated in the production of Radiata. I would like to single out three members of our department who were engaged and dedicated from start to finish. Sheilah Rosen, my Executive Assistant, and Janice Ford Benner, Director of Education and Corporate Relations, were essential in executing with aplomb the onerous responsibilities incumbent in publishing this magazine. Lastly, Georgeann McGuinness, M.D., Vice Chair for Education and Radiata Editor, whose vision for the magazine and editorial aptitude have made this issue of Radiata a stunning accomplishment.
Great Work and Many Thanks.
Robert I. Grossman, M.D. is the
Louis Marx Professor and
Chairman of the Department of Radiology