Research
The Radiology Department at OHSU has a long standing history of research, particularly in angiography and interventional radiology. Since 1952 when Charles T. Dotter, M.D., became Chairman of the Department of Radiology at the University of Oregon Medical School, OHSU has been at the cutting edge of research in angiography and interventional radiology. Dr. Dotter is considered by many to be the "Father of Interventional Radiology" and his legacy in interventional research is continued today at the Dotter Interventional Institute at OHSU. The Dotter Research Laboratory is a 10,000 square foot laboratory dedicated to interventional research and includes facilities for animal imaging and an extensive workshop for creating and manufacturing devices is also housed in the laboratory.
A number of clinical research programs are also being conducted in the department, involving not only interventional radiology but also thoracic and musculoskeletal radiology and neuroradiology. Residents are encouraged to participate in one of these or develop new proposals.
Research projects currently in progress include:
- Laser thrombolysis utilizing a fluid filled catheter as the conduit in carotid arteries for the treatment of stroke
- Covered stents, particularly in TIPS and for vascular stent grafting
- Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting
- Prevention of vascular and TIPS restenosis and intimal hyperplasia
- MRI evaluation of breast neoplasms pre and post biopsy
- Collaborative study with the University of Michigan and Wisconsin: Effectiveness of resident learning from resident prepared teaching files
- An interactive pediatric radiology training program
- Development of an MRI congenital heart disease interactive teaching file
- Internet-based interactive learning and teleconferencing
- Evaluation of renal glomerular function, tubular function and renal blood flow by radioisotopic methods
- MR chemical shift imaging
- MR diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders
Approximately 12 weeks are available as elective time in the third and fourth years for research. Per ACGME requirements, all residents are required to be involved in resident scholarly activity, which includes laboratory research, clinical research, the analysis of disease processes (e.g., a retrospecitve review), the analysis of imaging techniques (e.g., development or assessment of techniques), and/or the analysis of practice management activities (e.g., a systems-based practice activity of some sort). The outcome of this type of activity must be published, or presented at a local, regional, or national scientific gathering. In 1996, OHSU residents won the resident competition at the Pacific Northwest Radiological Society for best original research and also the best scientific paper by a resident at the Society of Thoracic Radiology annual meeting. In the last four years, OHSU residents have published more than 20 articles in peer reviewed journals.
