Children's Hospital of Philadelphia names a new radiologist-in-chief

The Children's Hopital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has named Kassa Darge, MD, PhD, as the new chair of the department of radiology and radiologist-in-chief, following an extensive national search.

Darge currently holds the John W. Hope Endowed Chair for Radiology Faculty Development at CHOP and has served as Chief of the Division of Body Imaging in the Department of Radiology. Since 2006, he has been a Professor of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. As an internationally renowned pediatric radiologist, he remains active in all major radiologic and pediatric radiologic societies. 

"We are delighted to have Dr. Darge serve as our Radiologist-in-Chief," said Chad Hough, Senior Vice President, Support Services at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in a statement. "Dr. Darge is a highly accomplished researcher, educator, and scholar in radiology who will help lead CHOP's strategy and future as we continue to find better ways to provide exceptional patient care and research discoveries for children."

Prior to his time at CHOP, Darge served as the chair of the department of pediatric radiology at the University of Wuerzburg in Germany. With 28 years of extensive research under his belt, he has expanded his portfolio to over 200 publications and multiple grants. His research focus is on innovative and advanced body imaging methods, specifically on magnetic resonance and ultrasound modalities. 

Darge obtained his medical degree from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and the University of Heidelberg in Germany. His residency in radiology and fellowship in pediatric radiology was completed at the University of Heidelberg. 

Jodelle joined TriMed Media Group in 2016 as a senior writer, focusing on content for Radiology Business and Health Imaging. After receiving her master's from DePaul University, she worked as a news reporter and communications specialist.

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.