
Diagnostic Imaging
Marshall Hicks, M.D.
Division Head
- Departments, Labs and Institutes
- Departments and Divisions
- Diagnostic Imaging Division
About Diagnostic Imaging
The goal of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Diagnostic Imaging division is to contribute to the prevention and elimination of cancer through outstanding patient-centered imaging, transformative research and exceptional education.
We strive to be the preeminent diagnostic and interventional cancer imaging center, recognized for our outcomes-driven patient care, innovative science and the excellence of our people.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Diagnostic Imaging division has more than a dozen technologies available for radiologists to visualize tumors in both bone and soft tissue. From standard radiology to advanced techniques that can view the tiniest blood vessels, our radiologists take diagnosis, tumor staging and treatment planning to a whole new level. Our dedicated radiologists are committed to partnering with you for the diagnosis and care of your patient, as well as providing you with quick and easy access to imaging services.
The Diagnostic Imaging team is a dedicated group of healthcare professionals committed to providing high-quality patient care, research and educational programs for our patients, the institution, and the community at large, utilizing and promoting innovation in diagnostic imaging and therapies for benign and malignant oncologic diseases.
Clinical Trials at MD Anderson
Diagnostic Imaging Specialized Fellowship Programs
Body Imaging Fellowship - Provides training in cross-sectional oncologic imaging, including CT, MRI, PET and ultrasound.
Breast Imaging Fellowship - Clinical experience in screening and diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, breast pathology and interventional procedures. Applications for this fellowship are accepted beginning in July of each year.
Musculoskeletal Radiology - The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann Hospital and St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital accepts two individuals for a one-year fellowship that offers extensive clinical and academic research experience in an integrated program.
Neuroradiology/Head & Neck - This educational program is for the second-year neuroradiology fellow interested in a dedicated year at MD Anderson for a comprehensive educational and research program of imaging for brain, spine, and head and neck tumors, including advanced imaging techniques.
Thoracic Oncologic Imaging - One individual per year is chosen for a one-year fellowship with extensive clinical experience in thoracic radiography, CT, MRI, and PET/CT, as well as an optional month of CT and US guided biopsies.
Vascular & Interventional Radiology - A one-year program with rotations through three Texas Medical Center hospitals. Trainees gain experience in several interventional applications, including angioplasty/stent, arteriograms, drainages, uterine artery embolization, chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, biopsies and brachytherapy.
Additional fellowship program information may be found on MD Anderson's Graduate Medical Education site.
Physician-Scientist Advanced Scholar Program
The Physician-Scientist Advanced Scholar training program in Oncologic Imaging at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center pairs enthusiastic and talented young physician-scientists with established faculty mentors for an intensive two to three year experience specifically designed to promote innovative and transformative research in the field of oncologic imaging and therapy.
The research experience is customized to match the interest and expertise of the applicant. At the end of the program, these physician-scientists are well poised to compete for NIH Grants and Funding such as K01s (Mentored Research Scientist Development Award) and K99s (Pathway to Independence Award) as they enter into an Assistant Professor position.
Research Residency Program
The Division of Diagnostic Imaging (DI) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has partnered with the Diagnostic
Radiology Residency Programs at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTH) to develop a research-focused program for radiology residents. Known as the “Research Residency Pathway”, such a program would further support the research mission of MD Anderson Cancer Center and provide a path for developing future physician-scientists, specifically in the field of oncologic imaging.
The Research Residency Pathway will allow a selected Baylor or UTH radiology resident to use up to nine months of their elective during PGY 5/R4 to be spent on research with a MD Anderson-DI mentor. A selected radiology resident would spend an average of four days a week engaged in research, and one day a week providing clinical imaging services.
Individuals welcome to apply to the program include:
- Medical students currently applying/being interviewed by Baylor or UTH for radiology residency
- Interns who have already been accepted to Baylor or UT-HSC for radiology residency and are in their intern/transitional year (PGY1)
- Current radiology residents at Baylor or UTH
For more information, please contact DIResearchPathway@mdanderson.org or Christine Kang, M.D., Ph.D., at HKang2@mdanderson.org.
Imaging Physics Educational Opportunities
Medical Physics Graduate Program - Our CAMPEP-accredited Medical Physics Graduate Program offers the Specialized Master of Science degree and the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees through The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston.
Imaging Physics Clinical Residency Program - Our CAMPEP-accredited Residency Program in Diagnostic Imaging Physics is a two-year clinical training program for medical physicists who intend to work in diagnostic imaging physics. We also offer a hybrid program, combining two years of postdoctoral research with the two-year residency training program. Both the residency and the hybrid program meet the clinical experience requirements of the American Board of Radiology for board certification.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Translational Cancer Nanotechnology - The goal of this program is to train scientists who will transfer the great promise of nanotechnology into clinical reality. This novel training program educates future leaders in the broad field of nanotechnology with specific interests in cancer-related applications, who are keenly aware of the needs and demands of clinical environment as well as of major challenges of translational research.
Postdoctoral Fellowships - Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities are offered for talented scientists to enhance their research skills by collaborating with an individual faculty member to work on specific funded research projects for terms of up to five years.
For more information about the Imaging Physics department's educational opportunities, please contact Melissa Tovar at mtovar@mdanderson.org.
Diagnostic Radiology Observership
This program is for academicians and educational trainees who are interested in observing radiologic procedures and consultations in the department. This is a one-way relationship in that we provide service to the observers; they do not provide service to us. This is a hands-in-pocket training experience. Observation only.
Observership program requirements in the Diagnostic Radiology department:
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English.
- The maximum appointment for an Observer is three months.
- If approved, there is a fee of $500 during the first month and $200 for each additional month (month two and three).
- White lab coat required.
Application process:
To apply for an observership, please email Melissa Tovar at mtovar@mdanderson.org with a current CV, letter of support from home institution, letter describing your areas of interest in disease and/or technology and include the length of time you are requesting to observe.
Upon approval for the Diagnostic Radiology Observership Program:
- You will be notified of the dates to observe.
- An account will be set up for you through the Discover web based application system. You will receive an email from Discover where you will complete the application and submit the required documents through Discover.
- Once the application and documents are submitted, the Department of Diagnostic Radiology will recommend you for an educational appointment.
- Your application and supporting documents will be sent to the Office of Trainee and Alumni Affairs (TAA) for approval. If approved as an observer, you will receive an appointment letter via email from TAA.
- The Visa and Immigration Services Administration Office (VISA) can help you secure a Visa, if applicable. Non-U.S. citizens, including permanent residents, are required to check in with VISA. before the first day of the appointment. VISA is located at 7007 Bertner Ave., 1MC17.3439, Houston, TX. Phone: 713-792-1112; email: visa@mdanderson.org. Non-U.S. citizens should bring all original immigration documents.
- All observers (regardless of citizenship) must check in with Trainee & Alumni Affairs (TAA) after they clear VISA. TAA is located at 7007 Bertner Ave., 1MC17.3439, Houston, TX. Phone: 713-792-2696. Please have your Visa and Immigration Services Administration Office clearance documents and passport for verification when you check in. Non-US citizens must present the clearance forms they received from VISA.
- After you check in with the Office of International Affairs and Trainee and Alumni Affairs, report to the program coordinator's office, Pickens Academic Tower, 1400 Pressler St., 19th Floor, Room FCT19.6000.
- Observers will need to bring the required fee in credit or debit card, money order or a cashier’s check payable to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Diagnostic Radiology, Pickens Academic Tower, 1400 Pressler St., 19th Floor, Room FCT19.6000, Houston, TX 77030.
If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Tovar at 713-792-8182.
Contact us
Physical address
Division of Diagnostic Imaging
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1400 Pressler St., Unit 1479
Houston, TX 77030
Mailing address
Division of Diagnostic Imaging
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1479
Houston, TX 77030
Referring physicians
For information on referring a patient to MD Anderson, visit our Refer a Patient page.
Scheduling requests can be made through the Diagnostic Imaging Call Center at 713-745-5170. Press 1 for diagnostic imaging scheduling. Press two to speak to a radiologist or if you have other imaging concerns.
International referrals
The International Center has dedicated staff with global experience to help ease the referral process for international physicians and patients. Contact the International Center at 001-713-745-0450 or via email at international@mdanderson.org.