Medical Specialties Commons^™

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders In Sonography: Impact On Career Longevity And Evidence-Based Interventions For Workforce Retention, Aileen Gonzalez

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among sonographers, examine their impact on career longevity and job satisfaction, and identify leadership-driven interventions that support workforce retention.

Method A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Medical Library to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2026. Eligible studies examined WRMSDs in sonographers and reported outcomes related to career longevity, job satisfaction, workplace retention, or injury prevention interventions. Findings were synthesized thematically.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) WRMSDs are highly prevalent across sonography specialties and represent …

High-Definition Healing: Investigating Ai-Driven Mr Reconstruction Methods, Jerell R. Jones

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To analyze recent artificial intelligence (AI)-driven magnetic resonance (MR) reconstruction methods aimed at addressing long acquisition times, image artifacts, and workflow inefficiencies.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Scopus AI, targeting peer‑reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2026. Search terms included “MRI,” “magnetic resonance imaging,” “artificial intelligence,” “deep learning,” and “machine learning.” Eligible studies included methodology, validation, and review papers. Extracted data included algorithm type, study design, key findings, and limitations. Themes were identified through content analysis and generative AI use.

Results Prominent themes identified were the emergence of generative adversarial networks, advanced neural …

Administrative And Clinical Impacts Of Theranostic Program Expansion In Nuclear Medicine, Karmela Kljajic Pascual

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on theranostic trials, nuclear medicine clinical workflow models, and organizational readiness, with a focus on how healthcare organizations and medical imaging leaders are adapting to the rapid expansion of theranostic services.

Method A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria required peer‑reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2026 addressing nuclear medicine leadership, theranostic implementation, workflow design, and organizational factors influencing theranostic program development. Exclusion criteria removed editorials, blog posts, and nonpeer‑reviewed sources.

Results Four major themes emerged: workforce and staffing demands, infrastructure and resource requirements, regulatory and administrative pressures, …

Evaluating The Safety Of Mr Exposure For Electronic Devices And Implants: A Literature Review, Molly O'Dowd

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To review literature examining the factors that determine magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility of electronic implants and wearable devices, including device materials, engineering design, regulatory approval processes, and clinical monitoring requirements.

Method An integrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature addressing MR safety and device compatibility. Databases searched included PubMed, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on relevance to MR safety classifications, device design considerations, regulatory labeling, and monitoring requirements.

Results The literature demonstrated that MR compatible devices are engineered and tested to meet regulatory safety standards and approved for use under specific scanning …

Application Of Lean Six Sigma Strategies To Improve Diagnostic Imaging Departmental Performance Metrics: A Literature Review, Obinna Newman Osuji

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of Lean and Six Sigma quality improvement approaches in enhancing diagnostic imaging workflows and departmental financial performance.

Method Literature for this review was retrieved from Scopus, CINAHIL Plus, PubMed, and Healthcare Administration Database in February and March 2026. Empirical studies and literature reviews were included if they addressed the utilization of Lean Six Sigma, Lean, or Six Sigma as a method of quality improvement within a diagnostic imaging departmental setting.

Results Database searches generated 1,624 articles, and 17 were deemed suitable for inclusion in the study. There were four studies that directly measured patient …

Assault Vs. Assistance: Radiologic Technologist Decision-Making When Fall-Risk Patients Decline Assistance, Pamela O'Dowd

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To explore how radiologic technologists experience and respond to situations involving fall-risk patients who decline assistance during imaging procedures.

Method A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from practicing radiologic technologists recruited through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were analyzed using SPSS to summarize participant responses, and a thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses.

Results A total of 87 respondents completed the survey. Results indicated that encounters with fall-risk patients who refuse assistance are common in clinical imaging practice. Sixty-three (72.4%) technologists reported having experienced situations in which a …

Magnetic Resonance In Pregnancy: Safety Considerations, Contrast Risks, And Imaging Modality Alternatives, Lizzette Valdez

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the safety of magnetic resonance (MR) during pregnancy by evaluating fetal outcomes, contrast agent risks, and the comparative roles of MR, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) in prenatal imaging.

Method A literature review was conducted using PubMed and peer-reviewed radiology journals to identify studies evaluating MR safety during pregnancy. The review examined fetal and neonatal outcomes following prenatal MR exposure, trimester-specific imaging considerations, risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents, and comparisons among MR, ultrasound, and CT.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) noncontrast MR demonstrated a strong safety profile with no consistent association with adverse fetal or …

Comparing Ai-Generated And Human-Written Radiology Reports: Evidence From The Literature, Lakenya Webb

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To evaluate the current evidence comparing artificial intelligence (AI)-generated radiology reports with radiologist-written reports, emphasizing diagnostic accuracy, clinical reasoning, workflow efficiency, and patient safety.

Method A literature review was performed using peer-reviewed articles identified through The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Medical Library. Studies evaluating AI-generated radiology reports were analyzed using AI-assisted thematic synthesis to identify recurring patterns related to report quality, diagnostic performance, and clinical implementation.

Results The literature consistently identified three overarching themes: (a) AI-generated reports demonstrated improvements in structured reporting and factual consistency but exhibited variable diagnostic accuracy; (b) current AI systems had …

Deep Learning Reconstruction In Pediatric Ct Imaging, Cody Wyatt

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on dose optimization using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) with emphasis on computed tomography (CT), pediatrics, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), and radiation dosage.

Method The methodology was a systematic literature review, synthesizing peer-reviewed literature on the use of DLR in pediatric CT. Databases searched included Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science. Keywords include combinations of deep learning reconstruction, DLR, CT, pediatric, dose, and optimization. Boolean operators were used to refine search results.

Results Three themes emerged: dosage reduction, noise reduction, and improved spatial resolution with the use of DLR …

National Pacs And Electronic Health Records: Considerations, Challenges, And Implications For Radiomics, Darchelle Scott

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the considerations, challenges, and implications of implementing a national picture archiving and communication system (PACS) integrated with electronic health records (EHRs), with particular emphasis on interoperability, radiomics, and patient-centered data sharing.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using books, peer-reviewed articles, original research studies, and government publications addressing radiomics, TEFCA, blockchain technology, PACS, and EHR integration. Literature was analyzed to evaluate national health information exchange, radiomics applications, and implementation challenges associated with a connected healthcare infrastructure.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) interoperable national PACS and EHR systems have the potential to improve continuity of care …

Psychological Safety In Health Care: A Prerequisite For High Reliability, Sonali Thosani

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

This paper presents a viewpoint on how psychological safety contributes to patient safety, teamwork, and high reliability.

Kobayashi Maru, Daniel Mahoney

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

This poem invites the reader to consider the uncertainty of facing an unwinnable situation. Kobayashi Maru is a reference to a fictional leadership test from Star Trek, designed to confront participants with a no-win scenario. While the test is famously “beaten” by the show’s hero, this piece aspires to depict the often unwinnable circumstance of caring for a child with incurable illness. The reader is provided space to consider how the balance of emotions and values may shift when read through the eyes of a parent, clinician, or observer.

The Weight Of The White Coat, Jonathan Cunningham

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

This is a poem reflecting on the mission of the medical provider through the image of the white coat.

Beyond Boundaries: A Model For Boosting Staff Retention And Morale Through Career Mobility, Tiffany Hughes, Abigail Caudle, Robert Ghafar, Brandon Freudensprung, Paloma Vasquez

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Retention and morale in health care are strategic imperatives that directly influence patient care, quality outcomes and operational stability. At The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, we found a significant gap in the career advancement opportunities for our clinical and administrative staff. Employees lacked visibility into career growth pathways, leaving them disengaged and increasing the overall turnover rate. In response, our division launched a structured, transparent Career Mobility Model to provide employees with the clarity and tools needed for advancement. This model integrates career mapping, shadowing programs, and leader-led career conversations, all of which led to measurable gains …

Clinical Medical Emergency Team Training Simulation (Cmetts): An Interprofessional Simulation For Medical Students And Nursing Residents, Allan John R. Barcena, Marvin R. Bernardino, Dominic Karl M. Bolinas, Kitz Paul D. Marco, Toni Edwards, Shelita Kimble, James Cavalier, Marites P. Melancon, Jillian R. Gunther

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Effective teamwork and communication are critical during medical emergencies, particularly in oncology, yet health care professionals are often trained separately, creating challenges for interprofessional collaboration. Evidence-based frameworks like Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) offer structured tools to optimize team performance. This study describes a simulation-based program, the Clinical Medical Emergency Team Training Simulation (CMETTS), designed to instill foundational teamwork skills in early-stage learners. First-year medical students and newly graduated nursing residents participated in an interprofessional simulation involving medical emergency scenarios followed by structured debriefing sessions guided by TeamSTEPPS principles. We evaluated the program’s effectiveness …

Lessons Learned For Improving Trainee Engagement And Utilization Of Education And Training Materials For Cancer Research, Katerina M. Santiago, Tania Galindo, Michaela A. Dinan

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: A core component of the National Cancer Institute Cancer (NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant requires cancer centers to coordinate research career enhancement and related activities. The Yale Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, established the Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) component in 2016. In response to the needs of trainees, CRTEC has developed several initiatives that we have identified and described here as best practices to engage and support trainees.

Methods: We had 2 aims to improve engagement: 1) increasing our visibility and trainee awareness of CRTEC and nurturing bidirectional communication and 2) offering …

Centralizing Communication Intake To Improve Workflow Visibility And Engagement: A Quality Improvement Project In A Cancer Center's Education Division, Menatalla El-Sharkawi, Mohamed Ait Aiss

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: In large or complex organizations, multiple teams may be charged with managing different components of a project, initiative, or administrative assignment. When these teams have overlapping needs for information, the absence of a structured intake and tracking process can limit transparency, reduce efficiency, and hinder coordination across communication channels.

Methods: Drawing on principles of strategic communications and project management, we created a structured and centralized information sharing process for teams within the education division of a comprehensive cancer center. The intervention included workflow redesign, development of a standardized intake system, and use of real-time dashboard analytics to support operation …

Icu Decision Tool Impact On Rebound Hyperglycemia, Daniel J. Donovan, Emily Highsmith, Sonya Khan, Michelle Horng

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Hyperglycemia, defined as a blood glucose level ≥180 mg/dL in the hospitalized patient, is linked to negative outcomes including longer hospital stays, increased infection risk, and higher morbidity and mortality rates. In addition to critically ill patients with diabetes, hyperglycemia can develop in individuals without diabetes due to factors such as steroid use, continuous tube feedings, and an elevated stress response. Patients who have uncontrolled hyperglycemia are often placed on continuous insulin infusions (CII), but rebound hyperglycemia frequently occurs after CII discontinuation if the maintenance insulin regimen (MIR) is insufficient. Implementation of a MIR decision support tool integrated within an …

Transforming Patient Safety And Care Practices Through Interprofessional Education, Kaleena Ramirez, Claudia C. Tamara, Jennifer Sells, Karen Clatt, Banan Abuharb, Mary Coolbaugh-Murphy, Iris Culwell, Anca Fumurescu, Mary Gust, Lori Simmons, Delores Whiteing, Annie Koenig, Sara Martinez, Wilton Muriithi, Shaun T. Caldwell, Susan Lee, Mary Sizemore, Kimberly Ann H. Krumwiede

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

As healthcare increasingly relies on interdisciplinary teams to deliver safe and effective care, the development of interprofessional collaboration competencies among students in health care professions has become an educational priority. In response, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions integrated a longitudinal interprofessional education curriculum to foster collaborative practice readiness and prepare students for team-based interdisciplinary environments that ensure safe and patient-centered care. The curriculum was guided by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative 2016 and 2023 core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice, reinforced with the Real Colors® Personality Instrument and Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance …

Viral Hepatitis Screening In Early Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Cancer Therapy: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Katherine Klein, Jessica Hwang, Vicente Valero, David Ramirez, Jaime Kaushik

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines recommend screening all patients for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) before initiation of cancer therapy. Cancer patients receiving cancer therapy represent a vulnerable population, and reactivation of undetected hepatitis virus can lead to devastating consequences. At MD Anderson Cancer Center, rates of hepatitis screening for all cancer patients have been historically low. The overall aim of this quality improvement (QI) study was to increase rates of HBV and HCV screening to at least 50% in early-stage breast cancer patients before cancer therapy in the Breast Medical Oncology clinic at MD …

Interprofessional Education Development In An Oncology-Focused Healthcare Institution, Mary Sizemore, Michael Morris, Mohamed Ait Aiss, Gregory Botz, Jolyn Taylor, Joshua Kuban, Diane C. Bodurka

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: Despite growing recognition of the value of interprofessional education (IPE), most IPE work has focused on undergraduate learners, leaving a critical gap in postgraduate and clinical environments. This report describes a phase 1, formative, pre-implementation quality improvement (QI) initiative to establish an institution-wide IPE program at an oncology center without a traditional medical school.

Methods: We used a developmental, multiphase mixed methods design integrating 3 inputs: (1) Virtual Interprofessional Teaching and Learning (VITAL) faculty-development feedback, (2) IPE Steering Committee feedback, and (3) simulation evaluation used as an applied context (not the sole focus). Surveys were administered to VITAL participants, …

Spatial Computing With The Apple Vision Pro In Minimally Invasive Procedure Simulation: A Randomized Crossover Feasibility Study, Sydney Cooper, Aaron Kyle Jones, Rahul Anil Sheth, Koustav Pal, Bruno Odisio, Mark Blaylock, Shelita Kimble, Justin Bird, David Rice, Daniel Shoenthal, Emil Patel, Vipin Kamath, Sanjay Gupta, Jeffrey Siewerdsen, Joshua Kuban

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of wearing the Apple Vision Pro (AVP), a mixed-reality headset that integrates augmented and virtual reality, while performing minimally invasive procedures. While studies have demonstrated that spatial computing technology can improve surgical precision and reduce the risks of surgical complications, to our knowledge, no studies have specifically addressed the impact of the AVP on task performance during simulated image-guided procedures.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen diagnostic and interventional radiology residents performed image-guided central venous catheter placement, thoracentesis, and paracentesis on simulation models. Each participant completed a non-timed practice followed by the procedures once …

Utilization Of Hybrid Angiography-Ct Suites In An Interventional Oncology Practice, David Irwin, Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi, Ryosuke Taiji, Aaron Kyle Jones, Gouthami Chintalapani, Roland Bassett, Steven Y. Huang, Sanjay Gupta

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: To evaluate operational trends in an interventional oncology practice at a tertiary academic center before and after the addition of hybrid angiography–computed tomography (Angio-CT) rooms.

Materials and Methods: The procedure volumes and types performed in the hybrid Angio-CT rooms were retrospectively collected from 2016 to 2020. Procedures were divided into categories, including arteriography, endovascular interventional oncology, ablation, venous intervention, non-vascular catheter placement (biliary, nephrostomy, gastrostomy, etc.), and osseous interventions. Procedural trends in the Angio-CT rooms and the frequencies of combination procedures that used both CT and angiography were assessed.

Results: A major shift of catheter-based tumor-directed cases to Angio-CT …

A Performance And Quality Improvement Intervention Integrating Molecular Testing To Support Personalized Cancer Care In Lung And Thyroid Cancers, Suzanne Murray, Monica Augustyniak, John Vu, Elbert Y. Kuo, Manolo G. Pasia Jr., Sheri L. Rivera, Kelly M. Rodriguez, Vivek Subbiah, Patrice Lazure, Ecaterina E. Dumbrava

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction: Molecular testing has been underutilized in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, despite its potential to significantly impact clinical decision-making and resulting health outcomes.

Objectives: This project aimed to evaluate the process and impact of a performance/quality improvement (PI/QI) intervention to optimize the integration of molecular testing for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or thyroid cancer (TC).

Methods: Physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses were engaged in the PI/QI at 2 cancer centers (Site A and Site B) for up to 18 months following a pre-intervention needs assessment. Gaps identified at baseline informed …

Tom: Treatment Outcome Monitor - A Web-Based Tool Designed Specifically For Clinics With Limited Resources, Saurabh Shashikumar Nair, Alba Kihn Alarcon, Maritza Elodia Cupil Barrios, Milton Estuardo Ixquiac Cabrera, Mynor Villeda, Joseph Steyn, Anneray Richards, Ricardo Ruggeri, Loida Orozco, Angel Velarde, Indranil Mallick, Graeme Lazarus, Christoph Trauernicht, Vicky De Falla, Tim Edwards, Johnny Inthaphone, Adenike Olanrewaju, Laurence E. Court, Joshua Niedzielski

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: Although three-fourths of cancer deaths are expected to occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 2030, most cancer research still comes from high-income countries. One barrier to cancer research in LMICs is lack of infrastructure for systematic data collection, including electronic medical record systems. We developed Treatment Outcome Monitor (TOM), a cloud-based tool for tracking cancer patient outcomes, designed specifically for resource-limited settings.

Methods: TOM was developed through iterative design cycles with continuous feedback from health care providers from across the world. We focused on creating a simple, web-based solution that addresses real-world challenges in resource-limited …

Influence Of Background Music On Proton Dose Monitors, Julia Colangeli, Rachel Felder, Nicole Geer, Favour Ihenwe, Shermineh Roodi, Sandra John Baptiste

Research Methods Poster Session 2026

This study examines the effects of background music, particularly varying bass frequencies, on dose monitor accuracy in proton therapy using the Hitachi PROBEAT-FR proton accelerator.

Artificial Intelligence In Radiology: A Comparative Study Of Accuracy And Efficiency Across X-Ray, Ct, And Nuclear Medicine, Courtney J. Mello, Sophia D. Galvan, Britney R. Williams, Tuyen T. Thai, Phuong P. Mor, Saleha Zafar

Research Methods Poster Session 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in radiology to improve diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency; however, there is limited standardized research comparing its performance across imaging modalities. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of AI in X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. Data were extracted on key performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, interpretation time, and error rates, to enable cross-modality comparison. Results demonstrated that AI achieved high diagnostic accuracy in X-ray imaging, with average sensitivity and specificity near 91% and …

Extended Survival In Stage Iv Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting With Anaplastic Transformation, Aryan Dowlatshahi, Umar Khan, Leopoldo Cobos

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

This is a discussion and case study of thyroid cancer survivorship in a patient who had been diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma with subsequent anaplastic transformation.

A Scarring Experience: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation As A Palliative Approach In Colorectal Cancer Survivorship, Aryan Dowlatshahi, Mary Garcia, Leanne Jackson

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

This is a case study and discussion of pelvic floor rehabilitation in its palliative utility specifically for colorectal cancer survivorship which will be presented at the MD Anderson Survivorship Research Retreat conference.

Cancer Treatment Induced Skeletal Muscle Loss As A Predictor Of Late Cardiotoxicity In Aya: A Pilot Study, Savannah V. Rauschendorfer, Efstratios Koutroumpakis, Behrang Amini, Juhee Song, Michelle Hildebrandt, Anita Deswal Md Mph, J. Andrew Livingston, Michael Roth, Eugenie S. Kleinerman Md

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

No abstract provided.