Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology
Division Chief
The Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology offers state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services and expert interventional and pain management procedures for patients with bone, joint, spine, and soft tissue diseases.
Services
Radiologists in the division use a full spectrum of imaging modalities including radiography, MRI, CT scans, sonography, and PET CT to diagnose arthritis, trauma, sports injuries, rheumatologic conditions, and bone tumors. We specialize in a range of image-guided procedures and minimally invasive pain management therapies that often provide an alternative to surgery.
Our radiologists provide subspecialty interpretations for musculoskeletal imaging performed at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Och Spine Hospital, Lawrence Hospital, and ColumbiaDoctors outpatient practices in midtown Manhattan and Tarrytown.
We collaborate closely with colleagues across CUIMC—in orthopedics, sports medicine, spine surgery, rehabilitation medicine, and oncology—to provide interdisciplinary expertise for each patient.
Interdisciplinary Conferences
| Conference | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Orthopedic Sports Indications | 1x/week |
| Tumor Board | 2x/month |
| Rheumatology | 1x/3 months |
| Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation | 1x/month |
Education
There is comprehensive training provided for our residents in all modalities including radiograph, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and image-guided interventions. They are exposed to a wide array of pathology including sports, tumor, rheumatologic disorders, arthritis and degenerative diseases, spine disorders, and pediatric imaging. Residents are also actively engaged in research with members of the faculty.
Research
Our faculty pursue research in diverse areas including artificial intelligence, quantitative MRI, sports imaging, arthritis, and tumor imaging.
History
Musculoskeletal radiology as a subspecialty at Presbyterian Hospital began in the 1950’s with the assignment of Sam Madell, MD, to work exclusively on bone and joint radiology. The idea was an immediate success and greatly appreciated by orthopedists. Dr. Madell was succeeded by Meyer Alpert, MD, who led the skeletal radiology section for more than ten years. Dr. Alpert organized the first post-graduate course on this subject, which attracted radiologists and orthopedic residents from all over New York City. Following a brief tenure by Harvey Hecht, MD, the Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology became firmly established under the leadership of Frieda Feldman, MD, one of the great scholars and pioneers of the field. Dr. Feldman was a founding member of the International Skeletal Society, a passionate educator who was known for her sense of humor and stimulating lectures, and a contributor of many important publications and lectures to the field.
Jonathan Kazam, MD, led the division from 2011 until 2018. Dr. Kazam presided over a period of prosperous growth and expanded the footprint of the division into the greater New York metropolitan areas. He established close working relationships with referrers and created a legacy of clinical excellence.
Today the division includes eight full-time faculty who offer services at two locations, in midtown Manhattan and Tarrytown, New York.
