Three Researchers Awarded 2010 Toshiba America Medical Systems/RSNA Grants

OAK BROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research & Education (R&E) Foundation awarded 2010 Toshiba America Medical Systems/RSNA grants to Kenneth S. Lee, M.D., Nitin Ohri, M.D., and Ben Paxton, M.D. The grants are made possible by Toshiba’s support of the RSNA R&E Foundation.

“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”

The Toshiba America 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.

Kenneth S. Lee, M.D., University of Wisconsin, was awarded the Seed Grant and will look to find a more effective treatment option for moderate to severe chronic plantar fasciitis. His study will evaluate acoustoelastography as a way to measure the healing changes and outcomes of platelet-rich plasma injections in order to improve patient care.

The Toshiba America 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. Dr. Ohri and Dr. Paxton received the Research Resident Grant.

Nitin Ohri, M.D., Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, will use his grant to characterize the FDG-PET response patterns of non–small cell lung cancer tumors after chemoradiotherapy. Ben Paxton, M.D., Duke University Medical Center, will further develop a minimally invasive, image-guided intervention for treatment of morbid obesity by utilizing an innovative and novel percutaneous endovascular procedure.

The RSNA R&E Foundation is awarding a total of 71 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 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)

About Toshiba

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. Toshiba Medical Systems Corp., an independent group company of Toshiba Corp., is a global leading provider of diagnostic medical imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, Cath & EP Labs, X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI and information systems. Toshiba Corp. is a worldwide leader in technology, electronic and electrical products, digital consumer products, electronic devices and components, power systems, industrial and social infrastructure systems and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875 and today operates a global network of more than 742 companies with more than 203,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing $67 billion. For more information, visit Toshiba’s website at www.medical.toshiba.com.