Annual research symposium to feature Tessa Cook

Posted on March 2024

The esteemed radiologist and informaticist Tessa Cook, MD, PhD will present the keynote address “Imaging AI: Now and Later” at the UW Department of Radiology’s annual Zachary Clark Radiology Research Symposium. Celebrating the high caliber research projects by fellows, residents, and medical students in radiology, the symposium will be held on April 27 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Health Sciences Learning Center, room 1325. 

Tessa Cook, MD, PhD will present the keynote address at the Zachary Clark Radiology Research Symposium.

Dr. Cook is an associate professor of radiology at the University of Pennsylvania and holds numerous leadership positions, including director of the 3-D and Advanced Imaging Laboratory and director of the Center for Practice Transformation in Radiology.  

Her current research endeavors are focused on imaging and clinical informatics, workflow optimization, innovation and practice transformation, patient-centered care, follow-up monitoring, and artificial intelligence in radiology. She has authored over 100 publications including the recent article in PubMed, “Patient – and Family-Centered Care in Radiology: Lessons Learned and Next Steps. 

In an interview with the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM), she explained what she loves about informatics. “It enables us to solve problems and rapidly pilot new innovations. A seemingly small change brought about by imaging informatics has the potential to improve not only patient care but both patient and clinician experience.” 

Department Chair Scott Reeder, MD, PhD noted that Dr. Cook’s address is highly anticipated by fellows, residents, medical students, and faculty alike. “We’re fortunate to have such an accomplished leader in informatics and cardiovascular imaging join us. Dr. Cook has such a breadth of knowledge to share, and we cannot wait to hear her speak. 

In addition to Dr. Cook’s keynote address, the department’s alumni, faculty, fellows, residents, and medical students will have the opportunity to hear oral presentations by the trainees as well as view educational exhibits online prior to the symposium.  

Frank Korosec, PhD, who serves as interim vice chair of research, noted the multiple advantages of the symposium. “It’s a fantastic way for our trainees involved in research to share their findings, and it benefits faculty as well. We can learn from the trainees and see the amazing work that’s being done right here at UWMadison.” 

Every year, Dr. Reeder is impressed by the range of research content, sharing “There’s always a topic or two that really surprises me! It’s great that our trainees are involved in research early on in their careers and that we can celebrate their accomplishments; they are inventing our future!” 

The department places an emphasis on lifelong learning, and the research symposium is a fantastic opportunity for all members of the department to learn from and connect with each other while celebrating the trainees’ accomplishments.