OSUMC - Section of Musculosceletal Imaging

Musculosceletal imaging is the branch of radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries affecting the bones, joints and muscles of the body. This type of imaging is essential for identifying a wide range of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tumors.

The history of musculoskeletal imaging dates back to 1885 when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered the x-rays.  The first medical image was the hand of his wife, clearly revealing her bones, and a ring. It instantly revolutionized the diagnosis of fractures, and created the specialty of musculoskeletal imaging.  Over the years, advancements in imaging technology have greatly improved the quality and accuracy of the musculoskeletal studies.  

In 1970's Computed Tomography (CT) provided cross-sectional views. allowing radiologists to see complex bone structures.  In the 1980's Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revolutionized the field by enabling detailed visualization of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Each  imaging modality has its own strengths and limitations, making it important for radiologists to choose the most appropriate study.

In addition to helping diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, imaging studies are also used to monitor treatment progress and guide interventions such as injections and/or surgeries.  Radiologists trained in musculoskeletal imaging a crucial role in interpreting these studies, and by providing accurate diagnoses guide patients' care. 

Dr. Joseph S. Yu was born in San Paulo, Brazil. His undergraduate studies were at the Ohio State University (1979-1983).  He received his MD degree from the Ohio State College of Medicine in 1987. His internship was at East Carolina University College of Medicine, Greenville, NC.  His residency was in the Department of Radiology at OSU from 1988 to 1992. Upon the completion of his residency and board certification, he did a fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging at the University of San Diego, CA (1992-1993). Dr. Yu returned to OSU and established the section of Musculoskeletal Imaging which during his tenure grew to national and international prominence. Dr. Yu was a prolific writer, having published more than 131 papers in refereed journals and more than 43 book chapters. His academic output exceeded that of any other member in our department, leading to his promotion in 1994 to the rank of Professor of Radiology and Orthopedic Surgery. In addition, he served as the Vice Chair, overseeing educational processes for medical students, resident, and fellows and from January 2009 to August 2010, he held the position of Interim Chair of the Department of Radiology.

Dr. Marcella Dardani received her DO degree from the University of New England, Biddeford, ME, in 1985. She did an internship at Firelands Regional Medical Center GME in Sandusky, OH and a residency in Radiology at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH from 1986 to 1989.  She did a Fellowship in Body Imaging from 1990-1991.  She was certified by the American Board of Radiology in 1995. She has published five articles in referee journals focusing on the use of conventional and advanced imaging such as MRI of the musculoskeletal system.  Dr. Dardani is an Assistant Professor of Radiology and her passion is teaching residents in the area of her expertise, the musculoskeletal system.

Alan Rogers, received his MD degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2002.  His internship was at the Ascension Saint Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, ID.   His Radiology residency was at the Ohio State Department of Radiology from 7/1/2003 to 6/30/2007. He was certified by the American Board of Radiology on 6/6/2007. Upon completing his residency he did a Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging at OSUMC from 7/1/2007 to 6/30/2008.  Dr. Rogers is known for his expert interpretation of radiographs, and advanced imaging studies such as CT and MRI of the musculoskeletal system. He has published 16 articles in referee journals.  He also performs minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as joint injections and biopsies.  Alan was one of the best residents in our department; the patients he serves are fortunate that he elected to stay as an attending.

This post is dedicated to al Radiology residents, fellows, and attendings who have provided expert and compassionate care to patients at the Ohio State Medical Center, since 1943, when the department was founded by                               Professor Hugh Means.

OSUMC Radiology - Section of Abdominal Imaging

 The evolution of abdominal imaging progressed from basic x-rays to highly detailed, functional, and real time visualizations.  In the late 1800s and early 1900s, abdominal imaging relied on plain radiographs, which could detect bowel obstruction, free air, calcifications and some foreign bodies, but had limited soft-tissue detail. Starting in the mid-1900s, barium allowed for better visualization of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small and large bowel. Additionally, intravenous pyelography improved visualization of the urinary system.  In the 1960s, ultrasound, a radiation free modality, became useful for the detection of gallbladder disease, liver pathology, ascites, hydronephrosis, and became the primary diagnostic modality in obstetrical imaging. In the mid-1970s and onward, computed tomography (CT) revolutionised abdominal imaging by provided cross-sectional detail.  It became the key tool for trauma, appendicitis, pancreatitis, staging for malignancies, and vascular disease. In the 1880s and onward, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offered superior tissue imaging without ionising radiation.  It was found to be useful for lesions of the liver, biliary tree, and for imaging of the pancreas an organ which is difficult to image.  In the 1990s, CT angiography, CT and MR enterography, and image-guided biopsies and drainages expanded both diagnosis and treatment. Recently Virtual Colonoscopy, a less invasive method is used to check for cancer of the colon and has been added to the diagnostic armamentarium.

James Bova was born in 1947 in Cincinnati, OH.  Soon after graduating for medical school in Des Moines, Iowa, he joined the Army to complete his medical training, allowing his family to live in many cities across the United States.  Jim, who was the chief of abdominal imaging, retired in 2007 after 22 years of service as an Associate Professor of Radiology. When he retired, he and his wife Kathy moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Jim was a talented musician, having played the banjo for many years.  He was staunch supporter of equal rights for all, and his compassion for others led him to form deep relationships with those around him. Jim passed peacefully in 2023.

William Bennett was born in Ohio and received his MD degree from Ohio State in 1977. He completed a transitional year at BrooK Army Medical Center at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas in 1978, followed by a residency in Radiology from 1978 to 1981.  He then pursued a fellowship in Diagnostic Imaging at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC from July 1, 1981 to June 30, 1982.  Following his fellowship, he joined the Department of Radiology at Ohio State as an Assistant Professor.  He became an Associate Professor based on his contributions in digital imaging and teleradiology.  Our department was likely the first to connect with a rural hospital in Barnesville, OH and provide consultations to the single practicing radiologist.  Dr. Bennett practiced for more than 30 years at OSU. Bill enjoyed teaching residents and fellows, many of whom remember him fondly.

Chris Lee was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea and graduated Yonsei University Medical College in 1965.  He did his radiology residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC and did a fellowship at OSU Medical Center from 1968 to 1970.  After the completion of his training he joined Columbus Radiology Corp. After retiring from the group, he joined the staff of the Department of Radiology at the abdominal section and retired after 9 years in 2013.  The residents and fellows learned from interacting with an experienced radiologist and he enjoyed working with many good residents.  After he retired Chris stayed in Columbus and spends his time traveling and playing golf.

During my years as the Chairman we had three fellows in the abdominal section, Drs. Kenneth Vitellas, Kaldeep Vaswani and Ghassan Hammami.  Dr. Vitellas did his residency at OSUMC and did a year of fellowship at the University of North Carolina. Ken joined the Mount Carmel Group of Radiology and has been in practice for nearly 30 years.  Dr. Kuldeep Vaswani received his MD in 1992.  He did a residency in Diagnostic Radiology between 1994 to 1997.  Kuldeep is currently affiliated with many hospitals in Columbus and is practicing for more than 20 years. Dr. Ghassan Hammami was born in Damascus, Syria.  He received his MD from the University of Aleppo Medical School in 1979.  He completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Cook County Hospital in Chicago in 1995.  His fellowship was in abdominal and musculoskeletal imaging in 1995-1996.  Upon graduation, he practiced for a year in Logan, WV before starting his own practice in McAllen, TX where he performs CTs, MRIs and other imaging procedures. I visited Ghassan in McAllen and met his wife and their two daughters who followed their father's example - one is a medical student and the other is a Ph.D. student in Psychology. 

This post is dedicated to Dr. William Bennett.  Throughout his long career, countless patients have benefited from his accurate diagnoses.  Many residents and fellows fondly remember their time with him. He treated everyone with respect and selflessly taught them, no matter how long it took for them to learn.  During my years at OSU, Bill was a friend and a respected colleague.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting Bill and his wife Pat when they took a vacation in Greece.  Walking with them the        streets of Athens was a most pleasant experience.

OSUMC Radiology Section of Neuroradiology

The section of Neuroradiology at the Ohio State Medical Center has a long history of leadership and innovation in diagnostic imaging of the neurologic system, using the first MRI in Ohio and the first ultra-high-field (8 Tesla) MRI in the world.  The section offers expertise in all aspects of Computed Tomography, diagnostic MRI including perfusion, diffusion tension imaging and spectroscopy.  It also performs interventional procedures in the brain and guided biopsies of the spine and vertebroplasty.

Donald Chakeres who was the chief of the section was born in Columbus, Ohio.  He received his BA degree in Chemistry from Capital University in Columbus in 1972, and his MD degree from Ohio State University in 1975.  He did an internship at Riverside Methodist in Columbus in 1972, and his residency in Radiology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire ending in 1978. His Neuroradiology fellowship was at the University of Oregon Health Science Center in Portland Oregon in 1979.  He returned to Dartmouth Medical Center as an Instructor and he was then appointed the Head of Neuroradiology at the University of Texas in San Antonio as an Associate Professor until 1985.  From 1985 to 2019 he was the Head of Neuroradiology at the Ohio State University Medical Center where the department acquired the second 1.5 Tesla General Electric MRI system in the country.  He was also the director of the 8 Tesla Research Group.  The 8T group led the world in high field MRI for a number of years and established the safety data related to high field MRI that are still utilized. He wrote a book with Petra Schmalbrock and more than 100 papers with many collaborators. He was the President of the American Head and Neck Society. He was also on many Executive Committees of National and International Organizations including the American Society of Neuroradiology and the International Society of Head and Neck Radiology.  He was on the Editorial Boards of many journals including, Radiology, Journal of the American Society of Radiology, and Neuroradiology.  He also began an interest in basic physics and has published a number of papers in that field. He retired in 2019 as a Professor Emeritus. 

Gregory Christoforidis received his medical degree from Ohio State University in 1990.  He did an internship at Mount Carmel Medical Center in 1991 and his residency at the Ohio State University from 1992 to 1995.  He did fellowships in Neuroradiology at Henry Ford in 1997 and the     USZ-Universitats Spital Zurich in 1998. He is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology.  He has expertise in interventional neuroradiology (neuroendovascular surgery), and diagnostic neuroradiology of the brain, head , neck and spine.  He is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute stroke, aneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, arteriovenous malformations and other vascular lesions. Dr. Christoforidis has extensive experience with minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures, including thrombolysis, embolectomy, embolisation, aneurysm treatment, AVM treatment, sclerotherapy, spinal augmentation, spinal injections and transcutaneous pain treatment, biopsies, angioplasty, and stenting in the head, neck and spine.  His research focuses on endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke.  He is investigating the formation of collateral vessels in the leptomeningeal tissue surrounding the brain and its role in the acute ischemic stroke.

Eric Bourekas was born in Warren, Ohio.  He did his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at the Ohio State, and he received his MD degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1989.  He completed a residency at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1993 and a fellowship in Neuroradiology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western in 1995 and fellowship in Interventional Neuroradiology in 1998 at the Cleveland Clinic. He is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology and Neuroradiology.  I hired Eric when I was the Chairman of Radiology and have known him both professionally and personally.  His contributions to Radiology have been immense.  His contributions in the clinical and research aspects of spinal pathology, spinal tumors, and neuroimaging are nationally recognised. He has served as Vice Chair of Radiology/Clinical Operations and Chief of Neuroradiology at OSUMC.  Dr. Bourekas is now the Chief of Staff, a position to which he was elected by his peers at the medical center a recognition of his advocacy for physicians in all departments, and the first radiologist to hold this position. He has served in many positions including President of Faculty Staff Council for the Medical Center and Senator in the Ohio State University Senate.  He has been a recipient of many teaching awards, and he was recently recognized as a Master Clinician by The Mazzaferri-Ellison Society, an Honorary Society which recognizes outstanding clinicians who excel in clinical practice, teaching, mentoring/role modeling, professionalism, leadership and service to the profession and the OSU Medical Center.  He has also received an Honorary Recognition at the University of West Attica in Athens Greece for his contributions to medicine at large. 

This post if dedicated to Dr. Lucy Freedy, who served as the Vice-Chair of the Department of Radiology during my tenure as the Chairman from 1992-2004.  Lucy was a hard working attending who genuinely cared about the education of the students and residents and also for providing exemplary care to our patients.  Her specialty was breast imaging, but she selflessly contributed wherever the department needed support.  Lucy's dedication and compassion made a lasting impact on all members at the medical center.  Lucy died on March 27, 2026 in her sleep. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.

Ohio State Medical Center - Chiefs of Staff

 2009 - Edward Levine / Internal Medicine-gastroenterology

Dr. Levine is a distinguished gastroenterologist with over 40 years of experience in the field. He earned his MD from the Ohio State University School of Medicine in 1981.  Following his graduation, he completed his internship, residency and fellowship in gastroenterology at OSUMC.  He further honed his experience with an additional fellowship at John's Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Levine emphasized effective communication with the patients, attentively listening to their concerns and thoroughly informing them about their health.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Levine has held leadership roles, including serving as the Chief of Staff at the Ohio State University Hospital from 2009 to 2011 and as the Interim Division Director of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition from 2011 to 2013.

I have been fortunate to know and worked with Dr. Levine since I joined Ohio State Medical Center in 1992, and I remain grateful for the compassionate  care he provided to my family.

2007 - Amy Pope Harmon / Internal Medicine 

Dr. Harmon is a Professor Emerita at the Ohio State University. During the years she practiced was know for her expertise in Pulmonary Medicine and critical care. 

2005 - Scott Melvin / General Surgery

Dr. Scott Melvin is a Professor of Surgery and the Vice Chairman of the department at Montefiore Einstein University Hospital in the Bronx, New York City. He is nationally  recognized for the use of minimally invasive approaches to the management of gastrointestinal diseases.  He has published expensively in refereed journals about endoscopic treatment of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas as well as in patients with renal transplants. 

When I joined OSU, Dr. Melvin was a fellow in gastrointestinal surgery and later an attending. During the years I worked with him, I witnessed firsthand not only his exceptional competence, but also his deep compassion and genuine warmth toward patients and colleagues alike. Patients in the Bronx are truly fortunate to have Dr. Melvin caring for them.

2003 Garth Essig / Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Essig was born in the historic city of Longmont, Colorado, known for its outdoor beauty. He grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and completed his undergraduate studies at DePaul University and earned his MD degree from the Ohio School of Medicine.  He was an Obstetrician and Gynecologist for nearly 50 years at the OSUMC, where he dedicated his life to the medical education and clinical medicine. Over the course of his distinguished career. he taught over 9,000 medical students and delivered almost 10,000 children.  Dr. Essig sadly passed away at the age of 80 in 2016. 

This post is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Garth Essig, a remarkable physician and an even more remarkable human being. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him admired his wisdom, his kindness, and his unwavering dedication to his patients and colleagues. We were truly fortunate to call him not only a colleague, but a friend. His compassion, integrity, and generosity of spirit left a lasting mark on all of us. Dr. Essig is deeply missed, and his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.  

Ohio State Medical Center - Chiefs of Staff

The function of the Chief of Staff at OSUMC is to act as a liaison between the medical staff and administration, lead medical staff self-governance, and oversee quality of care and medical staff operations.  This includes serving on hospital committees, calling and presiding over general staff meetings, and ensuring compliance with accreditation and other regulations. They are also responsible for advising the medical center board and acting as a spokesperson for the medical staff.

2005 - Eric Bourekas, Radiology / Neuroradiology

Dr. Bourekas received his MD from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1989.  He completed a residence at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1993, and a fellowship at the University Hospitals of Cleveland in 1995.  He is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology.  I hired Eric when I was the Chairman of Radiology and have known him both professionally and personally.  His contributions to Radiology have been immense.  He has been a neuroradiologist since 1995, focusing on clinical and research aspects of spinal pathology, spinal tumors, and neuroimaging.  He has served as Vice Chair of Radiology/Clinical Operations and Chief of Neuroradiology. He is Professor of Radiology, Neurology and Neurosurgery at the OSUMC.  Dr. Bourekas is now the Chief of Staff, a position to which he was elected by his peers at the medical center a recognition of his advocacy for physicians in all departments. 

2023 Eric Adkins / Emergency Medicine

Dr. Adkins completed his MD degree at West Virginia University in 2002. Upon completion he did a five-year residency in both emergency medicine and internal medicine at Christiana Health Services in Delaware in 2007, where he served as Chief Resident. On the academic side, he is an Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care as well as co-creator and Associate Program Director for the Emergency Medicine & Internal Medicine Residency Program.  His focus is on patient safety, quality improvement, critical care and ultrasound in the Emergency Department. 

2021 Lisa Keder / Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Keder is an obstetrician/gynecologist with particular interest in women's reproductive health. She specializes in general obstetrics and gynecology and she provides personal care to her patients.  She is passionate about her field and she is educating tomorrow's health care leaders and.

2019 Minka Schofield / ENT

Dr. Schofield has more than two decades of experience and she a board-certified in Otolaryngology and she is a head and neck surgeon. She was Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University-College of Medicine.  While at OSU, she held multiple leadership roles including Director of the General Otolaryngology Division, Medical Director of Surgical Operations, and Vice Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  She served as the Chief of Staff at OSUMC during the Covid-19 pandemic, acting as liaison between the senior leadership and the medical staff.

This post is dedicated to all physicians and nurses who served during the critical period of Covid-19 pandemic.  Their dedication transcended borders, languages, and cultures, uniting them in a singular mission: to heal, comfort, and protect humanity. From the big University hospitals to remote clinics in rural communities, doctors worked tirelessly, often at    great personal risk, to save lives and alleviate suffering.

Ohio State Hospital Medical Directors

Manuel Tzagournis was the first medical director of the OSU hospitals before becoming the Acting Dean in 1980, then the Dean in 1981 until 1985, and finally the Vice President of Health Sciences in 1994 until 2002.

Hagop Mekhjian had his education at the American University of Beirut from which he got a BA in 1958 and his MD in 1962.  He did an internship and a Residency in Internal Medicine between 1961 and 1964 in his home country.  He continued his studies in the United States; in 1965 he did a residency in Gastroenterology at Lahey Clinic in Boston, and in 1966 did a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Cincinnati General Hospital.  In 1967, he became a Research Assistant in Gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic. Between 1970 and 1977, he served in the Army in Falls Church, Virginia.  He ascended the academic ladder from Assistant Professor of Medicine in 1969 to Professor in 1988 and Professor Emeritus in 2010.  He is licensed to practice medicine in the States of Florida and Ohio. He was the Medical Director of the Ohio State Hospitals between the years 1985 and 2010.  The Ohio State created an Endowed Lectureship in his name in 2015.  He authored or co-authored 132 papers in referee journals. He was an active researcher with 23 awards.  Hagop lives in Columbus, Ohio with his loving wife of 50 years Janice, their two children and their grandchildren.

Andrew Thomas, got a Bachelor degree in History and Science from Harvard University in 1991. He earned his MD degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1995. It was the respect his grandparent had for their physians that inspire him to become a doctor.  Andy did an internal medicine residency at OSUMC from July 1995 to June 1998. He received a MBA from Fisher College of Medicine in 2000.  He was the Assistant Medical Director from 1999 to 2005, and Associate Director until 2010 and Medical Director at OSU Hospitals since 2013.  Dr. Thomas is Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine.  He has published 48 papers in peer-review journals.  His colleagues describe him as a collaborate, and thoughtful leader.  As the chief clinical officer of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, his role is the oversight of inpatient and outpatient services and assuring collaboration between departments.  Dr. Thomas still sees patients, something uncommon, but admirable for a busy administrator. I knew Andy since the time he was a medical resident.  He was intelligent and caring, and I will always remember what he told me when I converted Radiology to a filmless department, that its impact to the resident training and delivery of correct care was immense. Andy says that he has spent some of the best years of his adult life at Ohio State and in Columbus, with his wife Lisa and their three children. 

OSUMC is fortunate to have had leaders like Drs. Manuel Tzagournis, Hagop Mehkjian and and Andrew Thomas 

                                     Authored by D. G. Spigos, MD

                        Professor Emeritus and former Chairman

                                  Department of Radiology 1992-2004

It is dedicated to Manuel, Hagop and Andy who in addition for being               colleagues were and have remained great friends for life.