Faculty from the University of Wisconsin Department of Radiology and the Cyclotron Research Group traveled to Rotterdam, the Netherlands in March 2025 for the inaugural Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Symposium that the department and the department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine at Erasmus University Medical Center (MC) co-sponsored.
As part of the growing relationship between the Department of Radiology and Erasmus MC, the international symposium offers an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas in-person. Coordinated by Rianne van der Heijden, MD, PhD; Edwin Oei, MD, PhD; Sandip Biswal, MD; and Kenneth Lee, MD, MBA, in-person UW attendees also included Diego Hernando, PhD; Alan McMillan, PhD; Jonathan Engle, PhD; and Jason Mixdorf, PhD from the Cyclotron Research Group. Chair Scott Reeder, MD, PhD; Ali Pirasteh, MD; and Samuel Hurley, PhD attended the symposium virtually. Representatives from GE HealthCare were also in attendance, as the Department of Radiology and Erasmus MC operate the same equipment from that manufacturer.
Commonalities and Differences
In addition to nearly identical infrastructure and equipment, both institutions share common values regarding research and education. One of Erasmus MC’s core tasks is Valorization, defined as “the social or economic use of knowledge gained through research.” The Wisconsin Idea of UW–Madison is similar in that research, education, and resources should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom and campus.
The Departments of Radiology of UW–Madison and Erasmus MC are also interested in pain imaging and sports injuries using quantitative imaging techniques, such as MRI and PET.
Although there are many parallels, a few differences contribute to the beneficial partnership between the two organizations, encouraging the exchange of ideas and technology.
“UW–Madison is really strong in the development of new MRI pulse sequences,” explained Dr. van der Heijden. “Erasmus MC is really strong in clinical translation of new techniques and population-based imaging amongst others.
This makes us the optimal partners.”
Differences also help both group’s research efforts.
“Even though we are conducting the same research, the individuals involved on each team may have a unique approach or thought process,” said Dr. Biswal. “Someone from Erasmus may have a different perspective on a study that our department may not have considered but may be beneficial to the findings or data.”
Symposium Highlights
The inaugural 3-day symposium included presentations from UW–Madison and Erasmus MC faculty on topics related to musculoskeletal imaging, including techniques from radiological and nuclear medicine and image analysis.
In addition to sharing ideas and information through the presentations, the visiting faculty toured the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department at Erasmus MC. They viewed their host’s equipment, including the PET-MRI and the newly acquired total body PET-CT scanner.
There were also demonstrations in the newly established Erasmus MC / TU Delft MOtion Biomechanics & Imaging (MOBI) Lab. The MOBI Lab focuses on measuring and tracking joint loading during movement in real time with a treadmill, cameras and fluoroscopy, providing opportunities for the early detection and treatment of osteoarthritis.
A select group of participants donned protective clothing and booties for a tour of the Erasmus MC cyclotron. The equipment has several built-in safety measures, including multiple barriers and lead-lined walls.
The Start of a Collaborative Relationship
Thomas Grist, MD, former chair of the Department of Radiology, and Gabriel Krestin, MD, PhD, former chair of Erasmus MC, initiated the idea of a partnered joint symposium after realizing both institutions have similar infrastructure and equipment.
Dr. van der Heijden helped the relationship grow between the two organizations when she joined UW–Madison as a Bracco fellow in 2022. During this time, she worked in Dr. Scott Reeder’s lab and cultivated connections with faculty members across sections.
“Rianne van der Heijden worked closely with Sandip and me for two years,” said Dr. Lee. “She was really the glue to bring this together.”
Dr. van der Heijden acknowledged her role in turning the symposium from an idea into reality. But she also pointed out other contributing factors.
“My visit really sparked the collaboration, but it all started with like-minded people such as Dr. Grist and Dr. Krestin, now continued by Dr. Reeder and the current chair of Erasmus MC, Dr. Aad van der Lugt,” Dr. van der Heijden explained. “Both institutions aim for high-standard clinical care and have vast research enterprises focusing on improving patient care.”
Future Work Together
Currently, the Department of Radiology and Erasmus MC are partnering on a clinical trial using PET-MRI for identifying chronic pain generators, as well as imaging research focused on musculoskeletal MRI, PET physics and AI.
Other coordinated efforts include studies of MRI cartilage segmentation, quantitative imaging in tendons, and perfusion of soft tissue masses.
In addition to continuing this work, the two groups have plans for future partnerships. That includes holding next year’s symposium in Madison. While this year’s symposium mainly focused on musculoskeletal imaging, it could expand to other topics, including Neuroradiology and Abdominal imaging. If you are interested in participating in next year’s symposium, please reach out to Dr. Lee or Dr. Biswal.