Ron Price, PhD, Director

The rapid introduction of a number of new technologies into medical imaging places greater emphasis on the importance of research in the radiological sciences. The future of medical imaging is in the hands of those with the capability to visualize the potential of these new modalities. The potential application of those new technologies runs the gamut of physical and biological sciences and engineering. The types of research also cover a wide spectrum, ranging from basic science research to system effectiveness testing.

The Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences has established the Center for Medical Imaging Research (CMIR) to act as the focus for interaction with industry and increase the involvement of the public sector in this research process.

The department is organized to maximize the availability for meaningful research in all areas of imaging technology, ranging from the basic sciences to clinical studies. The Radiological Sciences Division is staffed by an outstanding faculty with interests in all of the new modalities, including computed tomography, digital subtraction radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission tomography, positron emission tomography, and ultrasound, as well as the conventional radiographic modalities.

The Division of Radiological Sciences currently offers on research fellowship per year concentrating on the new frontiers in medical imaging. The fellow will have a preceptor to ensure cooperation with and guidance from the basic science and clinical faculty members in the department. Potential areas for research include:

• nuclear medicine instrumentation development and evaluation
• ultrasound tissue characterization
• magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
• positron emission tomography
• computed tomography kinetics
• videodensitometry
• digital radiography
• free electron laser (FEL) applications
• biologic effect of ultrasound and magnetic fields
• physiology of peripheral angiography.
  
  Cooperating with the Division of Radiological Sciences are the Vanderbilt University departments of Biomedical Engineering and Physics & Astronomy, providing access to and interaction with many basic scientists in medical imaging.