Quality and Patient Safety in Medical Imaging: A Modality-Based Approach

This book serves as a comprehensive resource for both the public and professionals in the medical imaging field. Its primary objective is to address the critical concerns related to quality and patient safety within the context of various imaging techniques. The field of medical imaging is constantly evolving, with advancements in technology and techniques, making it crucial to stay updated with the latest information. This book aims to bridge the knowledge gap in this domain by providing an in-depth understanding of the indications, performance, and safety aspects of various imaging modalities. Chapters offer insights into the indications and performance of key imaging techniques, including X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, women's imaging, DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), dental imaging, and nuclear medicine.They additionally provide an up-to-date overview of quality assurance and quality control programs relevant to medical imaging and explore the safety concerns associated with imaging techniques, including radiation exposure, the use of contrast agents, and image-guided biopsy. This book addresses a significant gap in the field of medical imaging by providing a comprehensive and up-to-date resource that is accessible. It combines technical and clinical information with a focus on quality and safety, making it an essential reference for individuals seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of medical imaging. The book's structured approach, incorporating the latest regulations and ongoing quality improvement efforts, ensures that readers are equipped with the knowledge necessary to provide and receive safe and effective medical imaging services.

About the Author

Dr. Jie Zhang is a Professor and Chief of the Diagnostic & Nuclear Medical Physics Division in the Department of Radiology at the University of Kentucky. He also serves as the Director of the Diagnostic Imaging Physics Residency Program. He is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) in both Diagnostic and Nuclear Medical Physics.

With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Zhang specializes in the evaluation, integration, and safe use of diagnostic imaging technologies, including radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, ultrasound, MRI, and nuclear medicine. He developed a comprehensive quality control program from the ground up, advancing the department’s safety and imaging optimization practices.

Dr. Zhang is also an experienced educator, having taught medical imaging and imaging physics to graduate students, radiology residents, technologists, and hospital staff. He introduced the first week-long physics rotation for radiology residents, an innovation in physics education that led to his receipt of a two-year RSNA Education Scholar Grant for curriculum development in hands-on physics education. In 2024, he launched Kentucky’s first diagnostic imaging physics residency program at the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Zhang’s research focus is to improve patient care through high-quality imaging technology. He has led and contributed to clinical imaging research, dosimetric characterization, and image analysis. Dr. Zhang has authored or co-authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications, 8 book chapters, 4 AAPM Task Group reports, 2 RSNA/AAPM physics modules, and more than 150 conference abstracts and presentations at regional, national, and international meetings. He serves as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) on multiple research projects funded by the NIH, RSNA, the state of Kentucky, and industry partners.

Dr. Zhang is actively involved in professional committees and task groups, shaping the field of medical physics education. He currently chairs the AAPM Diagnostic Radiology Resident Physics Curriculum Working Group and the AAPM Medical Physics Education of Physicians. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics (JACMP), has contributed to the ABR Core Examination Physics Committee, and currently chairs the ABR Certifying Examination Physics Committee. He is recognized as a Fellow of the AAPM for his contributions to the field.