Pamela Johnson watches as residents explore the ultrasound simulation lab.

Sheldon Bearman credits his residency training at Johns Hopkins with kick-starting his career. Now retired, the well-known expert in ultrasound, CT and MRI committed to supporting the next generation of radiologists through the creation of the Sheldon B. Bearman, M.D. Professorship in Radiology in 2020. The endowed professorship is held by Pamela Johnson.

Johnson has committed a portion of the endowed funds to the creation of an ultrasound simulation lab for residents. The lab at The Johns Hopkins Hospital includes ultrasound training “phantoms” that mimic the human body, allowing trainees to practice various ultrasound exams and procedures.

Supporting young radiologists in training is a mission near to Johnson’s heart. A professor of diagnostic radiology, Johnson has also served as the radiology residency program director and the vice chair of education in the department. But, before that, she was a young resident at Johns Hopkins. Similar to Bearman, she credits Johns Hopkins Radiology for giving her a solid start.

“Like a lot of people who practice here, I trained here, and it was one of the best experiences of my life,” Johnson said, adding, “It was a special experience because of the people and the inspiring atmosphere of being at Johns Hopkins.”

Johnson herself would go on to inspire a new crop of radiologists in training during her tenure as director of the residency program. Now, she continues giving back through efforts like the ultrasound simulation lab.

The state-of-the-art ultrasound simulation lab offers trainees a unique tactile experience. Currently, the lab includes two abdominal imaging phantoms (with and without detectable liver tumor), a female pelvis phantom (both pregnant and not pregnant) and a biopsy phantom.

Radiology residents got the chance for some hands-on experience during a visit to the new lab.

This is particularly significant as the ACGME governing board for medical training now mandates residents to have hands-on ultrasound training. The lab provides a safe and controlled environment for students to practice these crucial skills, a privilege not always available to residents at other institutions.

“It’s unique. It’s something most other training programs don’t have,” Johnson said.

Johnson also hopes to encourage more medical students to go into radiology. The residency program has started bringing the equipment to career nights for medical students and residents.

“We are trying to inspire more medical students to become radiologists,” she said. “It’s not just sitting in a dark room. The patient-facing aspects of radiology are important and appealing.”

With support from Sheldon Bearman and the Bearman Professorship, Johnson looks forward to continuing the mission she and Bearman share, of expanding education, research and innovation opportunities for our trainees and their dedicated faculty mentors.