Meet the Division of Pediatric Radiology

In a children’s hospital that cares for the most medically complex young patients in the country, expert care begins with a diagnosis. Led by Mark Liszewski, MD, the Division of Pediatric Radiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital works around the clock to diagnose everything from broken bones to the most complicated conditions that affect children today.

Expert diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment, says Liszewski, who joined Columbia Radiology as division chief in 2023.“So many of the imaging tests we perform on a routine basis are uniquely complex compared to most environments. When a child requires radiology services, having a team that can navigate the full spectrum of complexities is essential.”

With the demand for pediatric imaging on the rise, Liszewski says his biggest challenge has been growing the division during a national shortage of pediatric radiologists. His innovative strategies have included international recruitment as well as a renewed focus on expanding training through the division’s Pediatric Radiology Fellowship. In just eighteen months, he has successfully increased the range of diagnostic services at the children’s hospital with a team of compassionate, expert providers who are also involved in a broad range of research and education activities to advance the field.

Last month, Columbia Radiology welcomed two highly accomplished pediatric radiologists, and the division will further expand this summer with a third new member of the faculty. “Cultivating a dynamic ecosystem with an exciting group of radiologists from diverse backgrounds, alongside our dedicated fellows, has made Columbia Radiology a vibrant place to work,” Liszewski says.

Pediatric radiologists have unique expertise that extends beyond their diagnostic skills; they also excel at working with pediatric patients who are anxious, unable to follow instructions, or have difficulty remaining still. Liszewski has recruited a team whose diagnostic expertise is matched by their warmth and compassion for their patients and their families. “This is truly a great place for children who need medical imaging and comprehensive pediatric care.”

Columbia University has a long history of leadership and innovation in pediatric care and its Babies Hospital (now the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital) is home to one of the first dedicated pediatric radiology services in the United States. “Few institutions worldwide have contributed more to pediatric radiology than our academic medical center,” says Ajay Gupta, MD, MS, James Picker Professor of Radiology and chair of the Department of Radiology at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. “We’re proud to carry on that legacy through delivering the highest standard of care to the children we are privileged to serve and through the research and training that will advance the field forward in the years ahead.”

In addition to serving the hospital, Columbia’s pediatric radiologists interpret imaging exams for a growing number of outpatient imaging centers across Manhattan and Westchester.

Meet Our Pediatric Radiologists

Mark Liszewski, MD
Associate Professor of Radiology
Vice Chair of Radiology, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Chief, Division of Pediatric Radiology

Dr. Liszewski is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric radiology, actively involved with the American Board of Radiology and the American College of Radiology. His research focuses on innovative pediatric imaging techniques, particularly in thoracic, gastrointestinal, and vascular diseases. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the Ralph Ger Award and the Golding Scholar Award, he previously served as Vice Chair of Outpatient Imaging and Chief of Pediatric Radiology at Montefiore Medical Center.

Carrie Ruzal-Shapiro, MD
Professor of Radiology
Vice Chair of Faculty Mentoring and Development, Department of Radiology

Dr. Ruzal-Shapiro is a passionate clinician-educator and former chief of the Division of Pediatric Radiology. She has garnered multiple teaching awards and first integrated radiology into the medical school curriculum at Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is a founding member of the Academy of Clinical Excellence and the Virginia Kneeland Frantz Society at CUIMC. Dr. Ruzal-Shapiro leads the Women in Radiology group at CUIMC and has served on numerous university committees, including the Dean’s Advisory Committee on the status of women at CUIMC.

Ola Kvist, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Radiology

Joining Columbia Radiology in 2024 from Karolinska University Hospital, Dr. Kvist is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of pediatric imaging, bringing expertise in novel imaging methods for bone and growth plate assessment. He completed his medical and radiology training at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and completed a Pediatric Radiology Fellowship and PhD from Karolinska University Hospitaland the Karolinska Institute. 

Jorge Delgado, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology

Dr. Delgado, who joined in 2025, focuses on advanced imaging techniques and educational methodologies within pediatric radiology. He received his medical degree from the Universidad CES Medical School in Colombia, followed by diagnostic radiology residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Medical School. After a focused year in musculoskeletal radiology at MGH, he completed a Pediatric Radiology Fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/Perelman School of Medicine.

Harsha Garg, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology

Dr. Garg, who also joined the division in 2025, concentrates on advanced pediatric thoracic and abdominal imaging, including magnetic resonance urography for urinary tract disorders. He earned a Master of Arts in Medical Science from Boston University. After receiving his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine, he completed a diagnostic radiology residency at Baylor College of Medicine and a Pediatric Radiology Fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

Sidney Brejt, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology
Director of Pediatric Interventional Radiology

Dr. Brejt is the Director of Pediatric Interventional Radiology and serves as the Associate Program Director for the Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Integrated Residencies. His work focuses on advanced radiologic procedures and innovative treatments to improve the care of patients, with a commitment to advancing the field through education, research, and patient-centered care.   Dr. Brejt earned his medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center.  After completing his residency in diagnostic radiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, he completed a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Pilar Dies Suárez, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology

Dr. Dies Suárez will join the Division of Pediatric Radiology from Federico Gómez Children’s Hospital in Mexico City, where she served as head of the Pediatric Radiology Department for two decades. Dr. Dies Suárez is a pediatric radiologist with expertise in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and research that has most recently focused on advanced MR imaging techniques in children with ADHD and childhood obesity. She received her medical training at La Salle University in Mexico City. Dr. Dies Suárez is the former president of the Latin American Society of Radiology.