Clinical Focus


  • Diagnostic Radiology
  • Musculoskeletal System

Academic Appointments


  • Clinical Professor, Radiology

Administrative Appointments


  • Interim Chief, Musculoskeletal Imaging, Department of Radiology (2022 - Present)

Professional Education


  • Master of Medical Management, Carnegie Mellon University (2017)
  • Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellowship (2008) MA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology (2007)
  • Residency: Baylor College of Medicine Radiology Residency (2007) TX
  • Internship: Naval Medical Center (1999) CA
  • Medical Education: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (1998) MO

All Publications


  • Abdominal CT metrics in 17,646 patients reveal associations between myopenia, myosteatosis, and medical phenotypes: a phenome-wide association study EBIOMEDICINE Chaves, J., Lenchik, L., Gallegos, I. O., Blankemeier, L., Liang, T., Rubin, D. L., Willis, M. H., Chaudhari, A. S., Boutin, R. D. 2024; 103
  • Automated abdominal CT contrast phase detection using an interpretable and open-source artificial intelligence algorithm. European radiology Reis, E. P., Blankemeier, L., Zambrano Chaves, J. M., Jensen, M. E., Yao, S., Truyts, C. A., Willis, M. H., Adams, S., Amaro, E., Boutin, R. D., Chaudhari, A. S. 2024

    Abstract

    To develop and validate an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to accurately detect contrast phases in abdominal CT scans.Retrospective study aimed to develop an AI algorithm trained on 739 abdominal CT exams from 2016 to 2021, from 200 unique patients, covering 1545 axial series. We performed segmentation of five key anatomic structures-aorta, portal vein, inferior vena cava, renal parenchyma, and renal pelvis-using TotalSegmentator, a deep learning-based tool for multi-organ segmentation, and a rule-based approach to extract the renal pelvis. Radiomics features were extracted from the anatomical structures for use in a gradient-boosting classifier to identify four contrast phases: non-contrast, arterial, venous, and delayed. Internal and external validation was performed using the F1 score and other classification metrics, on the external dataset "VinDr-Multiphase CT".The training dataset consisted of 172 patients (mean age, 70 years ± 8, 22% women), and the internal test set included 28 patients (mean age, 68 years ± 8, 14% women). In internal validation, the classifier achieved an accuracy of 92.3%, with an average F1 score of 90.7%. During external validation, the algorithm maintained an accuracy of 90.1%, with an average F1 score of 82.6%. Shapley feature attribution analysis indicated that renal and vascular radiodensity values were the most important for phase classification.An open-source and interpretable AI algorithm accurately detects contrast phases in abdominal CT scans, with high accuracy and F1 scores in internal and external validation, confirming its generalization capability.Contrast phase detection in abdominal CT scans is a critical step for downstream AI applications, deploying algorithms in the clinical setting, and for quantifying imaging biomarkers, ultimately allowing for better diagnostics and increased access to diagnostic imaging.Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine labels are inaccurate for determining the abdominal CT scan phase. AI provides great help in accurately discriminating the contrast phase. Accurate contrast phase determination aids downstream AI applications and biomarker quantification.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s00330-024-10769-6

    View details for PubMedID 38683384

    View details for PubMedCentralID 9700820

  • Noise2Recon: Enabling SNR-robust MRI reconstruction with semi-supervised and self-supervised learning. Magnetic resonance in medicine Desai, A. D., Ozturkler, B. M., Sandino, C. M., Boutin, R., Willis, M., Vasanawala, S., Hargreaves, B. A., Re, C., Pauly, J. M., Chaudhari, A. S. 2023

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To develop a method for building MRI reconstruction neural networks robust to changes in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and trainable with a limited number of fully sampled scans.METHODS: We propose Noise2Recon, a consistency training method for SNR-robust accelerated MRI reconstruction that can use both fully sampled (labeled) and undersampled (unlabeled) scans. Noise2Recon uses unlabeled data by enforcing consistency between model reconstructions of undersampled scans and their noise-augmented counterparts. Noise2Recon was compared to compressed sensing and both supervised and self-supervised deep learning baselines. Experiments were conducted using retrospectively accelerated data from the mridata three-dimensional fast-spin-echo knee and two-dimensional fastMRI brain datasets. All methods were evaluated in label-limited settings and among out-of-distribution (OOD) shifts, including changes in SNR, acceleration factors, and datasets. An extensive ablation study was conducted to characterize the sensitivity of Noise2Recon to hyperparameter choices.RESULTS: In label-limited settings, Noise2Recon achieved better structural similarity, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and normalized-RMS error than all baselines and matched performance of supervised models, which were trained with 14 * $$ 14\times $$ more fully sampled scans. Noise2Recon outperformed all baselines, including state-of-the-art fine-tuning and augmentation techniques, among low-SNR scans and when generalizing to OOD acceleration factors. Augmentation extent and loss weighting hyperparameters had negligible impact on Noise2Recon compared to supervised methods, which may indicate increased training stability.CONCLUSION: Noise2Recon is a label-efficient reconstruction method that is robust to distribution shifts, such as changes in SNR, acceleration factors, and others, with limited or no fully sampled training data.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/mrm.29759

    View details for PubMedID 37427449

  • From Acceptable to Superlative: Scaling a Technologist Coaching Intervention to Improve Image Quality. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Hwang, G. L., Vilendrer, S., Amano, A., Brown-Johnson, C., Kling, S. M., Faust, A., Willis, M. H., Larson, D. B. 2023; 20 (6): 570-584

    Abstract

    To explore factors influencing the expansion of the peer-based technologist Coaching Model Program (CMP) from its origins in mammography and ultrasound to all imaging modalities at a single tertiary academic medical center.After success in mammography and ultrasound, efforts to expand the CMP across all Stanford Radiology modalities commenced in September 2020. From February to April 2021 as lead coaches piloted the program in these novel modalities, an implementation science team designed and conducted semistructured stakeholder interviews and took observational notes at learning collaborative meetings. Data were analyzed using inductive-deductive approaches informed by two implementation science frameworks.Twenty-seven interviews were collected across modalities with radiologists (n = 5), managers (n = 6), coaches (n = 11), and technologists (n = 5) and analyzed with observational notes from six learning meetings with 25 to 40 recurrent participants. The number of technologists, the complexity of examinations, or the existence of standardized auditing criteria for each modality influenced CMP adaptations. Facilitators underlying program expansion included cross-modality learning collaborative, thoughtful pairing of coach and technologist, flexibility in feedback frequency and format, radiologist engagement, and staged rollout. Barriers included lack of protected coaching time, lack of pre-existing audit criteria for some modalities, and the need for privacy of auditing and feedback data.Adaptations to each radiology modality and communication of these learnings were key to disseminating the existing CMP to new modalities across the entire department. An intermodality learning collaborative can facilitate the dissemination of evidence-based practices across modalities.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.10.007

    View details for PubMedID 37302811

  • An Upstream Reparative Justice Framework for Improving Diversity in Radiology. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Abraham, P., Chatterjee, T., Flores, E. J., Lightfoote, J. B., Sepulveda, K. A., Spalluto, L. B., Willis, M. H. 2023

    Abstract

    Healthcare workforce diversity is vital in combating health disparities. Despite much recent attention to downstream strategies to improve diversity in radiology, such as increased recruitment efforts and holistic application review, workforce diversity has not tangibly improved in recent decades. Yet, little discussion has been devoted to defining the obstacles which might delay, complicate, or altogether prevent persons from groups that have been traditionally marginalized and minoritized from a career in radiology. Refocusing attention to upstream barriers to medical education is vital to develop sustainable workforce diversity efforts in radiology. The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the varied obstacles students and trainees from historically under-represented communities may face along the radiology career pathway and to provide concrete corollary programmatic solutions. Utilizing a reparative justice framework, which encourages race- and gender-conscious repair of historical injustices, and the socio-ecological model, which recognizes an individual's choices are informed by historical and ongoing systems of power, this manuscript advocates for tailored programs to improve justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in radiology.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.03.016

    View details for PubMedID 37209760

  • Beyond the Binary: Moving the Radiology Workforce Toward Gender Inclusion, From the AJR Special Series on DEI. AJR. American journal of roentgenology Tomblinson, C. M., Stowell, J., Zavaletta, V., Freeman, N., Yong-Hing, C. J., Carroll, E. F., Willis, M., Flores, E. J., Spalluto, L. B. 2023

    Abstract

    Gender representation in radiology has traditionally been evaluated and reported through binary models, accompanied by advocacy efforts focused on increasing the number of women in radiology. A paucity of data exists to understand the radiology workforce's entire gender composition, including representation of people who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD). Further, little information exists on how to provide a supportive work environment for radiologists and support staff who identify as belonging to an underrepresented gender minority group. Intentional efforts to comprehensively understand the gender representation of the radiology workforce can help to establish a diverse workforce that is more representative of the patient populations that we serve, while promoting high-quality inclusive healthcare. Moving beyond gender binary thought and practices can help foster a culture of inclusion and belonging in radiology. This article provides practical steps that radiology practices can take to understand and support gender diversity beyond the binary in the radiology workforce, including: providing definitions and inclusive language; understanding limitations of historical gender data collection methods in radiology and relevant published literature; establishing best practices for future data collection; and developing a strategic vision with action items to create a more inclusive work environment.

    View details for DOI 10.2214/AJR.22.28967

    View details for PubMedID 36919881

  • Practical Approaches to Advancing Health Equity in Radiology, From the AJR Special Series on DEI. AJR. American journal of roentgenology Suarez, N. L., Abraham, P., Carney, M., Castro, A. A., Narayan, A. K., Willis, M., Spalluto, L. B., Flores, E. J. 2023

    Abstract

    Despite significant advances in healthcare, many patients from medically underserved populations are impacted by existing healthcare disparities. Radiologists are uniquely positioned to decrease health disparities and advance health equity efforts in their practices. However, literature on practical tools for advancing radiology health equity efforts applicable to a wide variety of patient populations and care settings is lacking. Therefore, this article seeks to equip radiologists with an evidence-based and practical knowledge toolkit of health equity strategies, presented in terms of four pillars of research, clinical care, education, and innovation. For each pillar, equity efforts across diverse patient populations and radiology practice settings are examined through the lens of existing barriers, current best practices, and future directions, incorporating practical examples relevant to a spectrum of patient populations. Health equity efforts provide an opportune window to transform radiology through personalized care delivery that is responsive to diverse patient needs. Guided by compassion and empathy as core principles of health equity, leveraging the four pillars provides a helpful framework to advance health equity efforts as a step towards social justice in health.

    View details for DOI 10.2214/AJR.22.28783

    View details for PubMedID 36629307

  • Osteopathic Versus Allopathic Radiologist Workforce Characteristics: A Medicare Administrative and Claims Data Analysis. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Santavicca, S., Willis, M. H., Friedberg, E. B., Hughes, D. R., Duszak, R. J. 2022

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: Radiologist medical school pathways have received little attention in recent workforce investigations. With osteopathic enrollment increasing, we assessed the osteopathic versus allopathic composition of the radiologist workforce.METHODS: Linking separate Medicare Doctors and Clinicians Initiative databases and Physician and Other Supplier Files from 2014 through 2019, we assessed (descriptively and using multivariate panel logistic regression modeling) individual and practice characteristics of radiologists who self-reported medical degrees.RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2019, as the number of osteopathic radiologists increased 46.0% (4.7% to 6.0% of total radiologist workforce), the number of allopathic radiologists increased 12.1% (representing a relative workforce decrease from 95.3% to 94.0%). For each year since completing training, practicing radiologists were 3.7% less likely to have osteopathic (versus allopathic) degrees (oddsratio [OR]= 0.96 per year, P < .01). Osteopathic radiologists were less likely to work in urban (versus rural) areas (OR= 0.95), and compared with the Midwest, less likely to work in the Northeast (OR= 0.96), South (OR= 0.95), and West (OR= 0.94) (allP<.01). Except for cardiothoracic imaging (OR= 0.78, P= .24), osteopathic radiologists were more likely than allopathic radiologists to practice as general (rather than subspecialty) radiologists (range OR= 0.37 for nuclear medicine to OR= 0.65 for neuroradiology, all P < .01).CONCLUSIONS: Osteopathic physicians represent a fast-growing earlier-career component of the radiologist workforce. Compared with allopathic radiologists, they more frequently practice as generalist radiologists, in rural areas, and in the Midwest. Given recent calls for greater general and rural radiology coverage, increasing osteopathic representation in the national radiologist workforce could improve patient access.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.06.004

    View details for PubMedID 35931137

  • Imaging of Sarcopenia. Radiologic clinics of North America Boutin, R. D., Houston, D. K., Chaudhari, A. S., Willis, M. H., Fausett, C. L., Lenchik, L. 2022; 60 (4): 575-582

    Abstract

    Sarcopenia is currently underdiagnosed and undertreated, but this is expected to change because sarcopenia is now recognized with a specific diagnosis code that can be used for billing in some countries, as well as an expanding body of research on prevention, diagnosis, and management. This article focuses on practical issues of increasing interest by highlighting 3 hot topics fundamental to understanding sarcopenia in older adults: definitions and terminology, current diagnostic imaging techniques, and the emerging role of opportunistic computed tomography.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.rcl.2022.03.001

    View details for PubMedID 35672090

  • Factors Driving Resistance to Clinical Decision Support: Finding Inspiration in Radiology 3.0. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Bruno, M. A., Fotos, J. S., Pitot, M., Franceschi, A. M., Neutze, J. A., Willis, M. H., Wasserman, E., Snyder, B. L., Cruciata, G., Stuckey, H. L., Wintermark, M. 2022; 19 (2 Pt B): 366-376

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: The effectiveness of evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) and clinical decision support (CDS) is significantly hampered by widespread clinician resistance to it. Our study was designed to better understand the reasons for this resistance to CDS and explore the factors that drive it.METHODS: We used a mixed-methods approach to explore and identify the drivers of resistance for CDS among clinicians, including a web-based multispecialty survey exploring clinicians' impressions of the strengths and weaknesses of CDS, two clinician focus groups, and several one-on-one focused clinician interviews in which individual participants were asked to comment on their rationale for choosing imaging utilization that might not be supported by EBGs. Additionally, a unique electronic learning and assessment module known as Amplifire was used to probe clinician knowledge gaps regarding EBGs and CDS.RESULTS: In both the quantitative and qualitative portions of the study, the primary factor driving resistance to CDS was a desire to order studies not supported by EBGs, primarily for the purpose of reducing the clinician's diagnostic uncertainty.CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that to enhance the effectiveness of CDS, we must first address the issue of clinician discomfort with diagnostic uncertainty and the role of imaging via educational outreach and ongoing radiologist consultation.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.08.017

    View details for PubMedID 35152962

  • Charges for Shoppable Musculoskeletal Imaging Examinations: CMS Transparency Compliance and Variability Among 250 U.S. Hospitals. AJR. American journal of roentgenology Petterson, M. B., Willis, M. H., Rosenberg, J. K., Boutin, R. D. 1800

    Abstract

    As of January 2021, among other transparency requirements, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires that hospitals publish consumer-friendly displays of charges for shoppable healthcare services, including four musculoskeletal imaging examinations. Of 250 selected U.S. hospitals, all published charges for these four examinations, although 21% did not provide charges within consumer-friendly displays. Bed count was larger for compliant than noncompliant hospitals (500 vs. 384). All four examinations exhibited widely variable charges (up to 73.8-fold).

    View details for DOI 10.2214/AJR.21.27008

    View details for PubMedID 35043665

  • Opportunistic Incidence Prediction of Multiple Chronic Diseases from Abdominal CT Imaging Using Multi-task Learning Blankemeier, L., Gallegos, I., Chaves, J., Maron, D., Sandhu, A., Rodriguez, F., Rubin, D., Patel, B., Willis, M., Boutin, R., Chaudhari, A. S., Wang, L., Dou, Q., Fletcher, P. T., Speidel, S., Li, S. SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG. 2022: 309-318
  • Recognizing and Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes in Quality Improvement. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Larson, D. B., Willis, M. H., Hwang, G. L. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.09.053

    View details for PubMedID 33069677

  • Critical Results in Radiology: Defined by Clinical Judgment or by a List? Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Kuhn, K., Larson, D. B., 2020 Radiology Improvement Summit Critical Results Workgroup, Becker, C., Bierhals, A., Broder, J., City, R., Cooke, E., Cordova, D., Curci, N. E., Davenport, M. S., Dinan, D., Duncan, J. R., Dungan, D., Facchini, D., Heller, R. E., Hwang, G., Irani, N., Joshi, A., Kadom, N., Kaplan, S. L., Kolli, K. P., Krishnaraj, A., Marsh, D., Miller, A., Mintz, A., Pahade, J., Policeni, B., Rubio, E. I., Towbin, A. J., Wald, C., Wandtke, B., Willis, M. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.07.009

    View details for PubMedID 32783896

  • Assessment of the Radiology Support, Communication and Alignment Network to Reduce Medical Imaging Overutilization: A Multipractice Cohort Study. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Rezaii, P. G., Fredericks, N., Lincoln, C. M., Hom, J., Willis, M., Burleson, J., Haines, G. R., Chatfield, M., Boothroyd, D., Ding, V. Y., Bello, J. A., McGinty, G. B., Smith, C. D., Yucel, E. K., Hillman, B., Thorwarth, W. T., Wintermark, M. 2020; 17 (5): 597–605

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether participation in Radiology Support, Communication and Alignment Network (R-SCAN) results in a reduction of inappropriate imaging in a wide range of real-world clinical environments.METHODS: This quality improvement study used imaging data from 27 US academic and private practices that completed R-SCAN projects between January 25, 2015, and August 8, 2018. Each project consisted of baseline, educational (intervention), and posteducational phases. Baseline and posteducational imaging cases were rated as high, medium, or low value on the basis of validated ACR Appropriateness Criteria. Four cohorts were generated: a comprehensive cohort that included all eligible practices and three topic-specific cohorts that included practices that completed projects of specific Choosing Wisely topics (pulmonary embolism, adnexal cyst, and low back pain). Changes in the proportion of high-value cases after R-SCAN intervention were assessed for each cohort using generalized estimating equation logistic regression, and changes in the number of low-value cases were analyzed using Poisson regression.RESULTS: Use of R-SCAN in the comprehensive cohort resulted in a greater proportion of high-value imaging cases (from 57% to 79%; odds ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-4.86; P= .001) and 345 fewer low-value cases after intervention (incidence rate ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.70; P < .001). Similar changes in proportion of high-value cases and number of low-value cases were found for the pulmonary embolism, adnexal cyst, and low back pain cohorts.CONCLUSIONS: R-SCAN participation was associated with a reduced likelihood of inappropriate imaging and is thus a promising tool to enhance the quality of patient care and promote wise use of health care resources.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.02.011

    View details for PubMedID 32371000

  • Everything Every Radiologist Always Wanted (and Needs) to Know About Clinical Decision Support. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Wintermark, M., Willis, M. H., Hom, J., Franceschi, A. M., Fotos, J. S., Mosher, T., Cruciata, G., Reuss, T., Horton, R., Fredericks, N., Burleson, J., Haines, B., Bruno, M. 2020; 17 (5): 568–73

    Abstract

    As of January 2020, clinical decision support needs to be implemented across US health systems for advanced diagnostic imaging services. This article reviews the history, importance, and hurdles of clinical decision support and discusses a few pearls and pitfalls regarding its implementation.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.03.016

    View details for PubMedID 32370997

  • Multisite Implementation of Radiology-TEACHES (Technology-Enhanced Appropriateness Criteria Home for Education Simulation). Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Willis, M. H., Newell, A. D., Fotos, J., Germaine, P., Gilpin, J. W., Lewis, K., Stein, M. W., Straus, C., Sepulveda, K. A. 2020

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: After encouraging results from a single-institution pilot, a novel case-based education portal using integrated clinical decision support at the simulated point of order entry was implemented at multiple institutions to evaluate whether the program is scalable and results transferable. The program was designed to fill key health systems science gaps in traditional medical education curricula, ultimately aiding the transition from volume to value in health care. The module described uses commonly encountered medical vignettes to provide learners with a low-stakes educational environment to improve their awareness and apply curricular content regarding appropriate resource utilization, patient safety, and cost.METHODS: In 2016 and 2017, the team implemented the modules at eight US medical schools. A total of 199 learners participated in this institutional review board-approved study; 108 completed the module, and 91 were in the control group.RESULTS: The module group had higher posttest scores than their control group peers, after controlling for pretest scores (beta= 4.05, P < .001). The greatest knowledge gains were on questions related to chest radiography (22% improvement) and adnexal cysts (20.33% improvement) and the least on items related to pulmonary embolism (0.33% improvement). The majority of learners expressed satisfaction with the educational content provided (70.4%) and an increased perception to appropriately select imaging studies (65.2%).CONCLUSIONS: This program is promising as a standardized educational resource for widespread implementation in developing health systems science curricula. Learners at multiple institutions judged this educational resource as valuable and, through this initiative, synthesized practice behaviors by applying evidence-based guidelines in a cost-effective, safe, and prudent manner.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2019.12.012

    View details for PubMedID 31930982

  • Variables Influencing Radiology Volume Recovery During the Next Phase of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Madhuripan, N. n., Man-Ching Cheung, H. n., Alicia Cheong, L. H., Jawahar, A. n., Willis, M. n., Larson, D. B. 2020

    Abstract

    The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reduced radiology volumes across the country as providers have decreased elective care to minimize the spread of infection and free up health care delivery system capacity. After the stay-at-home order was issued in our county, imaging volumes at our institution decreased to approximately 46% of baseline volumes, similar to the experience of other radiology practices. Given the substantial differences in severity and timing of the disease in different geographic regions, estimating resumption of radiology volumes will be one of the next major challenges for radiology practices. We hypothesize that there are six major variables that will likely predict radiology volumes: (1) severity of disease in the local region, including potential subsequent "waves" of infection; (2) lifting of government social distancing restrictions; (3) patient concern regarding risk of leaving home and entering imaging facilities; (4) management of pent-up demand for imaging delayed during the acute phase of the pandemic, including institutional capacity; (5) impact of the economic downturn on health insurance and ability to pay for imaging; and (6) radiology practice profile reflecting amount of elective imaging performed, including type of patients seen by the radiology practice such as emergency, inpatient, outpatient mix and subspecialty types. We encourage radiology practice leaders to use these and other relevant variables to plan for the coming weeks and to work collaboratively with local health system and governmental leaders to help ensure that needed patient care is restored as quickly as the environment will safely permit.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.05.026

    View details for PubMedID 32505562

  • ACR Statement on Safe Resumption of Routine Radiology Care During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Davenport, M. S., Bruno, M. A., Iyer, R. S., Johnson, A. M., Herrera, R. n., Nicola, G. N., Ortiz, D. n., Pedrosa, I. n., Policeni, B. n., Recht, M. P., Willis, M. n., Zuley, M. L., Weinstein, S. n. 2020

    Abstract

    The ACR recognizes that radiology practices are grappling with when and how to safely resume routine radiology care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although it is unclear how long the pandemic will last, it may persist for many months. Throughout this time, it will be important to perform safe, comprehensive, and effective care for patients with and patients without COVID-19, recognizing that asymptomatic transmission is common with this disease. Local idiosyncrasies prevent a single prescriptive strategy. However, general considerations can be applied to most practice environments. A comprehensive strategy will include consideration of local COVID-19 statistics; availability of personal protective equipment (PPE); local, state, and federal government mandates; institutional regulatory guidance; local safety measures; health care worker availability; patient and health care worker risk factors; factors specific to the indication(s) for radiology care; and examination or procedure acuity. An accurate risk-benefit analysis of postponing versus performing a given routine radiology examination or procedure often is not possible due to many unknown and complex factors. However, this is the overriding principle: If the risk of illness or death to a health care worker or patient from health care-acquired COVID-19 is greater than the risk of illness or death from delaying radiology care, the care should be delayed; however, if the opposite is true, the radiology care should proceed in a timely fashion.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.05.001

    View details for PubMedID 32442427

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7201228

  • Optimizing Performance by Preventing Disruptive Behavior in Radiology. Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc Willis, M. H., Friedman, E. M., Donnelly, L. F. 2018; 38 (6): 1639–50

    Abstract

    Disruptive behaviors impede delivery of high-value health care by negatively impacting patient outcomes and increasing costs. Health care is brimming with potential triggers of disruptive behavior. Given omnipresent environmental and cultural factors such as constrained resources, stressful environments, commercialization, fatigue, unrealistic expectation of perfectionism, and burdensome documentation, a burnout epidemic is raging, and medical providers are understandably at tremendous risk to succumb and manifest these unprofessional behaviors. Each medical specialty has its own unique challenges. Radiology is not exempt; these issues do not respect specialty or professional boundaries. Unfortunately, preventive measures are too frequently overlooked, provider support programs rarely exist, and often organizations either tolerate or ineffectively manage the downstream disruptive behaviors. This review summarizes the background, key definitions, contributing factors, impact, prevention, and management of disruptive behavior. Every member of the health care team can gain from an improved understanding and awareness of the contributing factors and preventive measures. Application of these principles can foster a just culture of understanding, trust, support, respect, and teamwork balanced with accountability. The authors discuss these general topics along with specific issues for radiologists in the current medical environment. Patients, providers, health care organizations, and society all stand to benefit from better prevention of these behaviors. There is a strong moral, ethical, and business case to address this issue head-on. ©RSNA, 2018.

    View details for DOI 10.1148/rg.2018180019

    View details for PubMedID 30303780

  • Out of the Darkness and Into the Light: Patients, Referring Physicians, and Radiologists Working Toward Patient-and Family-Centered Care in Radiology JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY Cook, T. S., Willis, M. H., Abbott, C., Rawson, J. V., Krishnaraj, A. 2017; 14 (4): 569–72

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2016.08.030

    View details for Web of Science ID 000398652400028

    View details for PubMedID 27884631

  • R-SCAN: CT Angiographic Imaging for Pulmonary Embolism. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Frigini, L. A., Hoxhaj, S. n., Wintermark, M. n., Gibby, C. n., De Rosen, V. L., Willis, M. H. 2017; 14 (5): 637–40

    View details for PubMedID 28284675

  • An Asynchronous Online Collaboration Between Radiologists and Patients: Harnessing the Power of Informatics to Design the Ideal Patient Portal JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY Cook, T. S., Krishnaraj, A., Willis, M. H., Abbott, C., Rawson, J. V. 2016; 13 (12): 1599–1602

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2016.09.040

    View details for Web of Science ID 000389562000011

    View details for PubMedID 27888947

  • A Multispecialty Collaboration to Reduce Unnecessary Imaging for Knee Osteoarthritis JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY Spence, S. C., McAlister, W., Reed, B., Zare, M., Bingham, B., Low, J., Willis, M. 2016; 13 (11): 1343–46

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2016.05.002

    View details for Web of Science ID 000387638400013

    View details for PubMedID 27319371

  • Clinical Decision Support at the Point-of-Order Entry: An Education Simulation Pilot with Medical Students. Academic radiology Willis, M. H., Frigini, L. A., Lin, J., Wynne, D. M., Sepulveda, K. A. 2016; 23 (10): 1309-18

    Abstract

    We have been called to reform radiology undergraduate medical education (UME) curricula. Clinically available clinical decision support provides an opportunity to improve education regarding appropriate imaging utilization, patient safety, and cost-effective care.We created an education simulation portal utilizing integrated clinical decision support. The portal was then piloted with 34 volunteer medical students at our institution in a blended learning environment. A program assessment was performed utilizing the results from a qualitative survey, pre-test, and post-test.The large majority of medical students felt this supplemental education resource should be included in our UME curriculum (85.29%). All students perceived value in the education simulation portal. The students performed significantly better on the post-test in multiple categories (overall P <.0001), including Choosing Wisely topics (P = .0207).Based on our program assessment from this pilot program, we believe this innovative educational resource has significant potential to fill curricular gaps in radiology UME curricula. This platform is scalable and can be further customized to fill needs across the continuum of medical education.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.acra.2016.01.020

    View details for PubMedID 27639160

  • Posterior Root Meniscal Tears: Preoperative, Intraoperative, and Postoperative Imaging for Transtibial Pullout Repair RADIOGRAPHICS Palisch, A. R., Winters, R. R., Willis, M. H., Bray, C. D., Shybut, T. B. 2016; 36 (6): 1792–1806

    Abstract

    The menisci play an important biomechanical role in axial load distribution of the knees by means of hoop strength, which is contingent on intact circumferentially oriented collagen fibers and meniscal root attachments. Disruption of the meniscal root attachments leads to altered biomechanics, resulting in progressive cartilage loss, osteoarthritis, and subchondral edema, with the potential for development of a subchondral insufficiency fracture. Identification of meniscal root tears at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is crucial because new arthroscopic surgical techniques (transtibial pullout repair) have been developed to repair meniscal root tears and preserve the tibiofemoral cartilage of the knee. An MR imaging classification of posterior medial meniscal root ligament lesions has been recently described that is dedicated to the posterior root of the medial meniscus. An arthroscopic classification of meniscal root tears has been described that can be applied to the anterior and posterior roots of both the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. This arthroscopic classification includes type 1, partial stable root tears; type 2, complete radial root tears; type 3, vertical longitudinal bucket-handle tears; type 4, complex oblique tears; and type 5, bone avulsion fractures of the root attachments. Knowledge of these classifications and the potential contraindications to meniscal root repair can aid the radiologist in the preoperative reporting of meniscal root tear types and the evaluation of the tibiofemoral cartilage. As more patients undergo arthroscopic repair of meniscal root tears, familiarity with the surgical technique and the postoperative radiographic and MR imaging appearance is important to adequately report the imaging findings. ©RSNA, 2016.

    View details for DOI 10.1148/rg.2016160026

    View details for Web of Science ID 000388438200012

    View details for PubMedID 27726749

  • Carpe Diem: Population Health JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY Willis, M. H. 2015; 12 (2): 127–28

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2014.03.013

    View details for Web of Science ID 000348887700004

    View details for PubMedID 24836271

  • Measurement of Ulnar Variance From the Lateral Radiograph: A Comparison of Techniques JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY-AMERICAN VOLUME Parker, A. S., Minh Nguyen, Minard, C. G., Guffey, D., Willis, M. H., Reichel, L. M. 2014; 39 (6): 1114–21

    Abstract

    To determine the reliability of measuring ulnar variance on lateral wrist radiographs and to compare this technique with previously described methods.Ulnar variance was measured in 100 normal wrist radiographs using the methods of perpendiculars, central reference point, and the lateral radiograph by 3 surgeons on 2 occasions. Intraobserver repeatability and agreement between raters and methods were assessed and compared.Intra- and interobserver reliability and agreement were both excellent using all 3 methods within a ± 1.0-mm cutoff. However, there was substantial pairwise disagreement in measures of ulnar variance between all 3 methods.This study demonstrates that, for measurement of ulnar variance, the methods of perpendiculars, central reference point, and lateral radiographic measurement each have clinically acceptable intraobserver repeatability and interobserver agreement. Despite their independent reliability, each method of radiographic determination of ulnar variance had considerable disagreement with the other methods, indicative of inherent inaccuracies in the techniques. The lateral radiograph uniquely allows for visualization of the amount of ulnar head protruding proximal or distal to the concave lunate facet and allows for a rapid estimation of pronosupination, which is known to affect ulnar variance.Determination of ulnar variance can be an important component of surgical decision making in various pathological conditions of the hand and wrist. Traditionally, it has been measured through methods using the posteroanterior wrist radiograph, but there are potential shortcomings with these methods, and use of the lateral radiograph may provide a more clinically relevant picture of ulnar variance. This study shows that measurement from the lateral radiograph provides similar reliability to previously accepted techniques.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.03.024

    View details for Web of Science ID 000337011000012

    View details for PubMedID 24810937

  • Clinically Oriented Three-Year Medical Physics Curriculum: A New Design for the Future AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ROENTGENOLOGY Nachiappan, A. C., Lee, S. R., Willis, M. H., Galfione, M. R., Chinnappan, R. R., Diaz-Marchan, P. J., Bushong, S. C. 2012; 199 (3): 635–43

    Abstract

    Medical physics instruction for diagnostic radiology residency at our institution has been redesigned with an interactive and image-based approach that encourages clinical application. The new medical physics curriculum spans the first 3 years of radiology residency and is integrated with the core didactic curriculum.Salient features include clinical medical physics conferences, fundamentals of medical physics lectures, practicums, online modules, journal club, and a final review before the American Board of Radiology core examination.

    View details for DOI 10.2214/AJR.11.7356

    View details for Web of Science ID 000308150000048

    View details for PubMedID 22915405

  • A Proposed Medical Physics Curriculum: Preparing for the 2013 ABR Examination JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY Nachiappan, A. C., Wynne, D. M., Katz, D. P., Willis, M. H., Bushong, S. C. 2011; 8 (1): 53–57

    Abstract

    The upcoming ABR examination format for radiology residents is undergoing significant changes in 2013. This requires adaptation of the didactic curriculum for radiology residents entering in July 2010 to meet these changes. Physics will now be incorporated into the core (qualifying) examination during the third year of residency, instead of being tested as a separate examination that was often taken earlier in residency training in past years. In this article, the authors discuss the past, present, and future of medical physics instruction and outline a revised medical physics curriculum for radiology residents that has been internally approved for implementation at the authors' institution and has not been advocated by any society or by the ABR. Starting with this article, the authors hope to encourage a discussion of physics curriculum revision with other institutions.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2010.08.016

    View details for Web of Science ID 000305361100012

    View details for PubMedID 21211765