The Arthur A. De Smet Visiting Professorship and lecture series recently held its inaugural lecture at the Department of Radiology’s Grand Rounds to honor a beloved past UW professor, internationally recognized imaging expert, and founder of the Department of Radiology’s Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention Section.
Although many Madison residents may not realize it, De Smet had a major impact on the development of musculoskeletal imaging (MSK) as a radiological subfield worldwide. Former colleague Dr. Kirkland Davis points out that De Smet is a foremost authority on knee imaging, especially meniscal imaging.
In addition to his groundbreaking work in academic radiology, De Smet also dedicated himself to teaching. According to Davis, De Smet trained approximately 50 MSK fellows and more than 100 residents. A dozen or more of these fellows have pursued careers in radiological research, helping to transmit De Smet’s knowledge and meticulous practice methods.
To recognize De Smet’s achievements, the Arthur A. De Smet Visiting Professorship was established with the aim of hosting nationally and internationally recognized MSK radiologists at the departmental Grand Rounds.
At Dr. De Smet’s request, Dr. Mark J. Kransdorf became the first radiologist to be so honored. Dr. Kransdorf, renowned for his expertise in MSK tumors, has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and 4 textbooks.
Dr. Kransdorf gave two lectures—the first addressed the differences between several bone lesions, including Giant Cell Tumor (GCT), Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC) and Simple Bone Cysts (SBC). His second lecture at Grand Rounds discussed imaging soft tissue tumors of the MSK system and the features that differentiate the benign and malignant versions of these tumors. Less is known about these tumors in the MSK system than when they appear in other organ systems, and Dr. Kransdorf’s lecture provided insight into the topic. According to Davis, Dr. Kransdorf’s lectures were very informative, and “will help us all to have a better understanding of how to discern the numerous soft tissue MSK tumors and osseous lesions from each other.”
The inaugural De Smet lecture series not only paid homage to a valued former faculty member, it also extended De Smet’s principle of education by bringing a top-tier researcher to share knowledge at UW. The department is looking forward to continuing the lecture series, and is excited about its promise for future students and faculty alike.