Overview

The Cardiothoracic Imaging Division provides advanced diagnostic imaging services, using the latest CT and MRI. Directed by Suhny Abbara, M.D., the division includes subspecialty-trained faculty members with expertise in all aspects of modern clinical cardiac and thoracic imaging, who perform leading-edge imaging research and are recognized leaders in local, national, and international medical education. The specialty journal, Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, published by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), is directed by Division faculty members, who serve as Editor and Associate Editor, in addition to a Department statistician, who also serves as an Associate Editor, and administrative support. 

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to improve local, regional and global health through patient-centered state-of-the-art quality cardiothoracic imaging care, through meaningful intramural and extramural education, through innovative research, and through development of national and international guidelines and standards.

Our vision is to be a world-leading cardiothoracic imaging division that innovates, translates innovations into clinical care, inspires new generations of leaders and locally and globally positively impacts patient outcomes and quality of care.

Patient Care

To ensure the best possible diagnostic imaging services for optimal patient care, we work closely with our colleagues in other services, including cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, oncology, radiation oncology, interventional radiology, and pathology. These multidisciplinary teams work cohesively to identify best therapeutic options, to plan minimally invasive image-guided procedures, and to optimally and continually educate trainees and faculty.

Research

In addition to providing clinical services, our faculty members are active in all aspects of academic medicine, with publications in radiology, cardiology, and pulmonary medicine literature. Scholarly contributions include original research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, educational contribution in referenced journals, book chapters and major textbooks, as well as contributions to several national guidelines. 

We also have an active research program and an advanced image analysis laboratory featuring innovative image processing tools.

Education

The Cardiothoracic Imaging Division provides clinical and academic training for residents and fellows in the Department of Radiology. Our one-year Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship training program is intended to prepare radiologists for successful careers in either academic or private practice settings by progressively training them to manage a dedicated cardiothoracic imaging service.