A Year of Progress and Growth in Radiology

It has been an eventful and rewarding year for the Johns Hopkins Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science. As we reflect on the past year’s achievements, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the remarkable strides we have made. The dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and trainees have enabled our department to continue flourishing. Together, we have made significant advancements in clinical care, research and education.

Amid the many changes, one constant remains — the exceptional people at the heart of our department. This year brought exciting new leadership roles for many across our team. Our faculty and staff continue to set the bar high, using their expertise to elevate patient care, drive cutting-edge research and educate the next generation of radiologists and technologists.

Notable leadership developments this year include Dr. Emily Ambinder’s appointment as division chief of breast imaging, Dr. Javad Azadi’s role as radiology director of quality and safety, Dr. Sachin Gujar’s appointment as chief of magnetic resonance, and Dr. Farzad Sedaghat’s new role as section chief of ultrasound.

In an equally exciting development, two faculty members were installed into endowed professorships, and one was named to a newly established professorship. Dr. Hanzhang Lu was honored with the Dr. Elias Zerhouni Professorship. Dr. Andrew Horti became the second recipient of The Russell H. Morgan Professorship. Dr. John Eng, vice chair for faculty academic development, was installed as the inaugural Bronwyn Jones Professorship recipient. 

Our staff also made significant strides this year. Dena Dempster assumed the role of radiology administrator at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, and Douglas Myles was appointed director of engineering for the radiology physics and engineering team.

Clinical Expansion and Technological Innovation

This year, our outpatient services have expanded around Baltimore and in the National Capital Region. We continue to upgrade equipment, extend operating hours and open new facilities to meet the needs of our patients.

We are especially excited to announce the opening of Johns Hopkins Medical Imaging at Wilde Lake Pavilion, a new site in Columbia, Maryland, offering 1.5T and 3T MRI, CT, and X-ray services. Our existing Columbia location will continue to provide mamography, ultrasound and DEXA exams. The White Marsh outpatient center has also undergone significant upgrades, including a redesign and new MRI, CT and DEXA scanners.

At The Johns Hopkins Hospital, we unveiled three new cutting-edge scanners: a new generation SPECT/CT scanner, an inpatient MRI scanner, and a photon-counting CT scanner at the Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center. These additions underscore our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art imaging technology to improve patient outcomes.

Research Breakthroughs

Our department remains a leader in groundbreaking research, and this year has been no exception. Dr. Venu Raman and his team are on the brink of human trials for RK-33, a promising new cancer drug that precisely targets and eliminates cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue.

In Dr. Sairam Geethanath’s lab, the team is developing smaller, low-field MRI scanners designed for use in remote and unconventional environments, potentially bringing lifesaving imaging technology to previously inaccessible areas.

Commitment to Education

Training the next generation of radiologists remains central to our mission. Thanks to the efforts of leaders like Dr. Pamela Johnson, who has supported the development of an ultrasound simulation lab through the Sheldon B. Bearman, M.D. Professorship, and residency program director Dr. Erin Gomez, who is spearheading efforts to enhance diversity in our residency program through a dedicated DEI liaison, we continue to grow and innovate in our educational initiatives.

Our department’s unwavering dedication to excellence in clinical care, research and education continues to propel us forward. As we look to the future, we welcome the continued support and involvement of our alumni and donors. If you have any questions or would like to engage with our department, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you, as always, for your steadfast support.

Sincerely,

Karen M. Horton, M.D. 
Martin W. Donner Professor of Radiology 
Director, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science