Introduction to the Department
In 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays. Though vast improvements are continually made, to most people on the street radiology still basically means X-rays. Today, many organs, functions, and areas that used to be hidden from view can now be imaged and studied in-depth with new radiological procedures, equipment, and technology.
The benefits to patients are many. In some cases, earlier diagnosis dramatically improves the patient's chances of recovery. In other cases, radiologic procedures eliminate the need for exploratory surgery, thus reducing risk, recovery time and expense.
The developments that have transformed patient care and revolutionized modern medicine make radiology a complex field. In a little more than two decades, radiology has progressed from basic X-rays to encompass seven complex modalities and, as in other areas of medicine, radiologists often specialize.
All of the modalities and specialties play an integral part in modern, state-of-the-art medicine in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences. Radiology is increasingly becoming an interdisciplinary field, with physicians, technologists, and physicists combining talents in both diagnosis and research.
At the Indiana University School of Medicine, we are fully dedicated to continuing our leadership in developing and applying new radiologic imaging and therapeutic techniques. Likewise, we are committed to preserving the prestige of our national reputation, especially in education. However, our primary goal is always rendering the best clinical care possible to our patients through the use of advanced radiological techniques.
When laymen think of hospitals, they usually consider only the clinical aspect - diagnosing and treating patients. That is the primary purpose of any hospital. But at the Indiana University School of Medicine, we are also committed to education and research. Without education there would be no physicians or health care personnel to take care of tomorrow's patients. Without research there would be no new technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or nuclear medicine and there would be no discoveries to contribute to advances in the treatment of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Today's Medical Trainees are the Future of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine is one of the most progressive, comprehensive medical complexes in the Midwest. With a house staff of more than 1,000, the IU Medical Center training program for residents and fellows is one of the largest in the United States. The IU School of Medicine offers 76 accredited residency and fellowship programs. Medical students are instructed by specialists renowned for their contributions to their fields at the IU School of Medicine. The Medical Center's reputation as a foremost tertiary care referral center has been influential in attracting leading specialists in every area to our staff. A team approach is used in training and capitalizing on the expertise of medical specialists, physical scientists and technologists.
With more than 60 positions, the Radiology Residency Program at the IU School of Medicine is one of the largest programs in the United States. The achievements and reputation of the faculty, the opportunities for advanced clinical service, and the facilities for and commitment to research make it an exemplary program.
Due to the increasingly vital role radiology plays in diagnosing illnesses, every medical student spends a minimum of one month in radiology. A residency is four years following the completion of an ACGME-accredited clinical internship. Our department receives approximately 500 inquiries about residencies from graduating medical students each year; from these, excellent candidates are selected for the 15 first-year positions - most residents elect to complete a one-year fellowship in a radiology subspecialty area after their residency. Our department offers 14-15 fellowship positions each year to eligible residents. After completing training, our residents and fellows are highly competitive for positions throughout the United States.
The School of Allied Health Sciences, in conjunction with the Radiology Department, offers a comprehensive Radiologic Science Program with degrees in radiography, medical imaging technology, and nuclear medicine technology combining professional courses and clinical experience to give technologists extensive training.
Radiology Annual Departmental Lecture Series
The research and educational programs of the Department are enhanced by several named visiting lectureships in honor of outstanding members of our specialty. These include the John A. Campbell, M.D.; Eugene C. Klatte, M.D.; Raymond Beeler, M.D.; and Joseph Morton, M.D. clinical lectures and the Suzanne von Schuching Advances in Radiopharmaceutical Developments lecture. Additional five to seven visiting professor lectures complete each year's program.
Research Paves the Way for Future Medical Progress
At the Indiana University School of Medicine, clinical care and research enhance each other, and radiology is vital to both. Many of the adults admitted to University Hospital and children admitted to Riley Hospital have complex conditions that have defied diagnosis and/or not responded to traditional treatment.
These cases represent unique opportunities to help...and to learn. Using advanced equipment and techniques, recognized specialists in different areas often combine their talents to provide diagnosis and treatment. The Medical Research and Library Building is evidence of our commitment to remaining on the leading edge of medical progress, making major contributions to the discoveries and techniques that will save lives tomorrow.
Research involving radiology is currently being conducted in almost every medical field. There are many specially funded programs involving cooperative efforts between the IU School of Medicine and segments of the private industry. The School of Medicine annually receives more than $110 million in grants from national organizations and government agencies to conduct research projects.
The Imaging Sciences Division and the faculty of the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences are taking a proactive role in the advancement of new medical technology that will provide novel methodologies for the detection and treatment of human disease. These new technologies will eventually displace or minimize the need for conventional anatomically based imaging procedures. The Imaging Sciences Division works to develop imaging techniques to noninvasively characterize human physiology and its disruption by disease; to provide infrastructure support to implement and maintain state-of-the-art technology employed in the practice of radiology; and the dissemination of knowledge to students, faculty, scientific community and the public.
Within the Department most faculty members are currently involved in research projects. These including researching the diagnosis of pulmonary emboli with computed tomography; conducting FDA IDE trials, clinical trials, and animal studies; data analysis and research with the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; and the development of workflow software to improve reporting turnaround and quality.
We have the ideal environment for research that leads to major advancements in medicine. Our tradition of achievement, the unique expertise of the faculty, state-of-the art equipment and facilities and the complexity of our patient's problems often inspire innovative diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Radiological Specialities
The time has long passed when an individual could be competent in all branches of medicine. Because of the rapid increase in the knowledge base of medical imaging and interventional techniques under imaging control, specialization within radiology has become necessary. This is particularly true within an academic center for the development of research and teaching programs. The national accrediting organizations have approved training programs in the subspecialties of interventional radiology, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, and pediatric radiology. Accreditation in other radiology subspecialties is likely to follow.
Subspecialty areas within the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at the IU School of Medicine are defined by technical, anatomic, and age considerations. Subspecialties include Neuroradiology, Breast Radiology, Abdominal Radiology, Chest Radiology, Musculoskeletal Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Pediatric Radiology. The department also has divisions in Imaging Science and General Radiology. Close coordination between the subspecialties is necessary in consulting and managing individual patient problems.