 MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL IMAGING Graduate Studies in Medical Imaging

Typically, a cohort of 10 to 15 students from across the US and around the world enrolls in the Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging (MSBI) to spend a year learning the fundamentals of medical imaging at UCSF. The 2022 class was smaller—eight students, largely from the Bay Area—due, no doubt, to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The MSBI program is designed to bring students with diverse backgrounds rapidly up to speed on the scientific underpinnings of medical imaging technologies. Students entering the program typically have an undergraduate degree in engineering or the physical or biological sciences.

The MSBI program is led by Director of Graduate Studies Susan Noworolski, PhD, and Program Director Alastair Martin, PhD. In the past year we welcomed Mike Leon as the new program coordinator and thank Rukayah Abdolcader for her years of service to the program. MSBI faculty includes 13 PhD professors from the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging. A wide range of clinical faculty contribute to the program by giving guest lectures and hosting MSBI students for job-shadowing or demonstration experiences. These real-world applications of medical imaging are particularly popular with the students.

A Breadth of Learning Experiences

Mandatory MSBI core courses deliver in-depth training in the principles of in-vivo imaging modalities, including MRI, CT, PET, SPECT and ultrasound. Students also choose from a wide set of electives related to imaging applications for major diseases and different organ systems.

Following their coursework, students bring the various elements of their learning together in applied research projects, working with faculty supervisors or as interns with industry partners. MSBI students benefit from the department’s wide range of state-of-the-art imaging facilities and consistently report that the hands-on activities and research opportunities are highlights of the MSBI program.

The pandemic drove a hybrid learning model again this year, but in-person activities increased and we are hoping for a fully in-person experience for 2022-23. The class was able to have a team-building experience this year and elected to attend the Harry Potter play as a group. Research activity, particularly that focused on computational imaging, remains a point of emphasis for MSBI students and is a high point of their time in the program. A high percentage of MSBI students remain through the summer academic quarter to apply their newly honed skills on a wide range of research projects under the supervision of UCSF faculty. These projects culminate in the MSBI Imaging Symposium, held in late August, where the students’ research accomplishments are highlighted.

MBSI - Graduates of 2022

The MSBI class of 2022 has seven graduates and one student who will continue part-time for the 2022–2023 year. Many of this year’s class were interested in exploring job opportunities in industrial settings or academic labs. Others were heading off to, or aspired to, medical school or PhD programs. All will leave having experienced an intense and fulfilling year within our department.