Our November 3, 2022 webinar featured Dennis L. Parker, Ph.D. from the Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research (UCAIR), Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, presenting:
"Role of Magnetic Resonance Thermometry in Therapeutic Ultrasound"
About the Professor
Dennis L. Parker, Ph.D. is a medical physicist with over 40 years experience in research using physics, math, and engineering applied to medical imaging. In 1979 he performed early experiments to test whether MRI could be used to measure temperature and in the early 1980’s he published the first papers showing that MRI could, in fact, be used to create images of temperature change. After moving to the University of Utah in 1982, he has been involved in developing MRI research programs. He developed a highly successful MR angiography program and is currently leading a multicenter trial evaluating specialized radiofrequency coils for carotid plaque imaging. Over the past 20 years, he has collaborated with some outstanding faculty, staff and students from Radiology, Mechanical-, Electrical-, Bio-Engineering, Physics, Oncology and Surgery to develop a multidisciplinary program in MRI guided Focused Ultrasound Therapy.
Dr. Parker and his team have developed some novel and highly efficient methods for monitoring temperature and measuring tissue elasticity in the fully insonified 3D volume for brain and breast applications. He initially led the team that launched the University of Utah’s MRI guided breast focused ultrasound program, which is now in clinical trials at two institutions. Dr. Parker has supervised 36 students who have received their PhD degrees in various academic departments, many of whom are actively involved in MRI and focused ultrasound research. He is a fellow of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, has served as the President of the Magnetic Resonance Angiography Club and has received both distinguished research and mentor awards from the University of Utah.
About the Moderator
This session will be moderated by Allison H. Payne, Ph.D. from the University of Utah. Dr. Payne is a mechanical engineer with expertise in thermal therapies; specifically magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound. Her research contributes to the translation and dissemination of this exciting technology through the development of new hardware, advanced treatment planning and monitoring and assessment techniques. During the past 10 years, Dr. Payne has led the team that designed a breast-specific MRgFUS system that is currently in clinical trials in Europe for treating breast cancer. She has additional expertise in mechanical design, MR imaging, temperature measurement, acoustic radiation force imaging and acoustic modeling.