Chairman’s Corner
From the Radiology Department Newsletter, Editor: Mary McAllister

Despite the continuing economic crisis, we at Johns Hopkins, particularly the Department of Radiology have had a successful year in fulfilling our clinical and research missions. Thankfully, as a department and as an institution, we have weathered the storm fairly well so far. Hopkins continues to invest in quality and safety, and we were just recognized as the No. 1 hospital for an unbelievable 19th year in a row. 

In Radiology, we responded aggressively to the funding made available under the government’s economic stimulus and recovery program by submitting over 70 applications for funding, including supplements for ongoing programs and projects that were designed to increase the number and level of jobs in research.   

We are just beginning to receive positive reviews on some of those submissions, and remain hopeful that our awards from this program will fulfill our mission to increase employment, stimulate economic recovery, and generate worthwhile scientific advancement.

This has been a tremendously successful year for recruitment and hiring.  We are essentially fully staffed in the clinical arena (for the first time since I began my tenure here in 2004).  On the research side, we have welcomed talented new faculty in interventional neuroradiology, interventional radiology, musculoskeletal imaging, cross-sectional imaging, breast and pediatric imaging, and neuroradiology, as well as in MR and other groups. 

Another exciting development has been the largest research space expansion for the department since I arrived, with the acquisition and renovation of Park 3.  With the move of MR Research and Neuroradiology Research into the Park 3 suites, we gained approximately 7,000 square feet of office, computer and electronic lab space, which allowed us to spread out and relieve the crowded conditions that many researchers have experienced.  The move also allowed us to consolidate some research groups, which will foster collaboration both within the department and with other departments.  We were also able to consolidate our newly reorganized Radiology Research Office on Park 3.  

We are also looking forward to the Radiological Society of North America's annual conference  this year.  A preliminary look at the acceptances our faculty received for their submissions suggests that we will have a strong presence at the RSNA.  Also, after much positive feedback about the location of our annual department and alumni get-together last year, we will again hold this event in the Empire Room at the Palmer House.  It’s always nice to see all the current and former members of the department have the chance to meet and network. 

Lastly, I want to once again mention my appreciation for the incredible dedication and talent of our faculty, trainees and staff, who make all our successes possible.  As each year progresses, I cannot imagine how our department could be more successful or more productive, and yet every year, I am pleasantly surprised by the creativity of our faculty in the fulfillment of all our missions, the quality of our trainees, and the commitment of our staff. Have a great summer, and I look forward to seeing all of you at the RSNA, if not before.

Jonathan Lewin, M.D.
Fellow of the American College of Radiologists
Martin W. Donner Professor