2007 Application Catalog

Preceptorships - Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, NIH

Virtual Endoscopy and Computer-Aided Detection Lab Imaging Sciences Program

The laboratory is developing methods for early cancer detection on radiologic images. Our major focus is on virtual colonoscopy, a noninvasive method for detecting precancerous colonic polyps using computed tomography (CT) scans. We are one of the world leaders in the area of computer-assisted polyp detection for virtual colonoscopy. Current challenges include detecting smaller polyps (for earlier diagnosis) and noninvasive determination of polyp histopathology and cancer risk. Example training opportunities include investigation of new radiologic contrast agents, imaging/pathology correlation, clinical validation and observer performance studies. We have a broad interest in virtual colonoscopy and computer-aided detection that includes economic impact, epidemiology, regulatory issues, patient compliance and development of large radiology image databases. The lab has extensive collaborations with extramural investigators.

The Virtual Endoscopy and Computer-Aided Detection Lab has 8-10 members and associate members with diverse backgrounds and interests and includes Ph.D.'s, M.D.'s and post-baccalaureate trainees. Lab members participate in weekly lab meetings/journal club and present their work at scientific symposia.

Brief Biography of Lab Director:

Ronald M. Summers received the B.A. degree in physics in 1981 and the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in Medicine/Anatomy & Cell Biology in 1988 from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed a medical internship at the Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, a radiology residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, and an MRI fellowship at Duke University, Durham, NC. In 1994, he joined the Diagnostic Radiology Department at the Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center at the NIH, Bethesda, MD where he is now a Senior Investigator and Staff Radiologist. He is currently Chief of the Clinical Image Processing Service and directs the Virtual Endoscopy and Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) Laboratory. In 2000, he received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, presented by Dr. Neal Lane, President Clinton's science advisor. His clinical areas of specialty are thoracic and gastrointestinal radiology and body cross-sectional imaging. He co-chairs the special session on virtual endoscopy at the annual SPIE Medical Imaging conference.

Ronald M. Summers, M.D., Ph.D.
Clinical Center
Diagnostic Radiology Department
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD