Two Researchers Awarded 2010 Hitachi Medical Systems/RSNA Grants

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research & Education (R&E) Foundation awarded 2010 Hitachi Medical Systems/RSNA grants to Omolola Atalabi, M.B.B.S., and Sidhartha Tavri, M.B.B.S. The grants are made possible by Hitachi’s support of the RSNA R&E Foundation.

“add pioneering innovations to the advances in molecular imaging and hopefully translate it to human beings to make a positive impact in the lives of our patients.”

The Hitachi Medical Systems/RSNA Research Seed Grant enables investigators to test hypotheses and conduct feasibility studies en route to major trials. These pilot phases of projects are critical to the development of applications for funding from major corporate and federal sources. The grant award is up to $40,000 for a one-year study.

Omolola Atalabi, M.B.B.S., University College Hospital / College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Nigeria, will use this grant to focus on the burgeoning need in Nigeria for medical and technical expertise in ultrasound for children at all development ages, as well as fill the knowledge gap in the area of clinical diagnosis and research in pediatric radiology. She believes that this research could improve the capacity to detect renal impairments early on in order to improve admissions outcomes, reduce the cost of late detection, and improve treatment to ultimately save lives and improve patient care.

The Hitachi Medical Systems / RSNA Research Resident Grant is designed to give residents an opportunity to gain insight into a research career by providing dedicated time for research projects. The grant award is $30,000 for a one-year study.

Sidhartha Tavri, M.B.B.S., University of California San Diego, will use this grant to study the use of stem cells as a “trojan horse” for ultrasound-targeted cell therapy. Dr. Tavri’s long-term objective is to “add pioneering innovations to the advances in molecular imaging and hopefully translate it to human beings to make a positive impact in the lives of our patients.”

"Hitachi Medical Systems is pleased to support the RSNA Research and Education Foundation," said Sheldon Schaffer, Vice President and General Manager of MR/CT, “we appreciate the value of this contribution to the continuing advancement of medical imaging".

The RSNA R&E Foundation is awarding a total of 72 grants in 2010 valued at $2.25 million. “The R&E Foundation is proud to take a leadership role in funding grant awards to young investigators. We recognize the critical link between today’s research and tomorrow’s practice,” said Jack E. Price, Chair of the R&E Foundation Board of Trustees. “In addition, our commitment to education ensures the development of tomorrow’s workforce.”

About Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.

Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc. (HMSA) markets advanced diagnostic medical imaging systems of Hitachi Medical Corp., Tokyo, Japan, www.hitachi-medical.co.jp/english. The company has more than 1,500 MRI systems installed throughout the United States and also markets multi-slice computed tomography and digital ultrasound.

www.hitachimed.com.

About Hitachi Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501) is a leading global technological and industrial company with total revenues of ¥10,000 billion ($102.0 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2009. Hitachi’s business is highly diversified, encompassing operations in the following seven segments: Information & Telecommunication Systems; Electronic Devices; Power & Industrial Systems; Digital Media & Consumer Products; High Functional Materials & Components; Logistics, Services & Others; and Financial Services. http://www.hitachi.com.

About RSNA

RSNA is an association of more than 44,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists committed to excellence in patient care through education and research. The RSNA R&E Foundation provides grants to advance radiologic research, education and practice. (RSNA.org/Foundation)

Contact:
Raymond Wtulich
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