January 11, 2008

McLoud, Novelline and Thrall honored by RSNA

MGH physicians Theresa McLoud, MD; Robert Novelline, MD; and James Thrall, MD; recently were recognized as some of the nation's best in the field of radiology, with each receiving significant accolades from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) during the organization's annual meeting in November. All three are members of the MGH Department of Radiology.

McLoud, MGH associate radiologist-in-chief and director of education for the department, was inaugurated as president of the RSNA, a 40,000-member organization comprising the nation's leading radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and allied scientists. A world-renowned expert in thoracic imaging, McLoud plans to continue focusing on international radiology and educational initiatives during her tenure as RSNA president.

The division head of MGH Emergency Radiology, Novelline was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Educator of the Year Award for his commitment to training tomorrow's radiology leaders. Among his many roles, Novelline serves as director of the MGH Radiology Core Clerkship and played a crucial role in the establishment of the MGH Emergency Radiology Fellowship in the early 1980s — one of the first such programs in the nation. He also is a founding member of two professional societies, the American Society of Emergency Radiology and the Alliance for Medical Student Educators in Radiology.

Thrall, MGH radiologist-in-chief, was named one of this year's three recipients of the Gold Medal — the RSNA's highest honor, awarded annually to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to radiological science. Thrall, who has held many leadership posts during his nearly 40-year career, currently is serving as a member of the Board of Councilors of the Society of Chiefs of Academic Radiology Departments, vice chair of the Board of Chancellors for the American College of Radiology (ACR) and chair of the Commission on Molecular Imaging for the ACR. He also is the Juan M. Taveras Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School.