If you’ve ever wondered who helps turn big research ideas into real patient impact, you’re probably thinking of someone like Kaila Brustkern. Kaila plays a hands-on role in radiology research, working directly with patients and study teams to move projects forward from concept to completion. Her days are anything but routine. One moment she is screening participants, the next she is walking someone through informed consent, answering questions, collecting data, or even stepping into procedures to support study needs. Behind the scenes, she also navigates IRB processes and manages data through systems like REDCap. “I enjoy getting to talk with the participants,” she says. “It makes every day interesting.” That connection is especially meaningful in studies focused on women’s health, including conditions like endometriosis. Kaila notes that many of these areas have historically been understudied, and patients are often grateful for the opportunity to contribute to research that could improve care for others. From Iowa to the Research Triangle Kaila’s path into clinical research was not exactly linear. Growing up and completing her undergraduate degree in Iowa, she initially explored a range of interests, from marine biology to design. It was not until she took a clinical research course that

We are pleased to announce that Louise Henderson and Andrew Moon, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at UNC, have been awarded a new NIH/NCI-funded grant (R21CA313041). Lauren Burke serves as a co-investigator on this project. Project Title: Early Detection of Liver Cancer Among Patients with Cirrhosis and MASLD Project Period: May 15, 2026 – April 30, 2028 Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, is projected to become the third leading cause of cancer-related death by 2035. While routine surveillance—typically abdominal ultrasound every six months for high-risk patients—has been shown to improve early detection and survival, national data reveal that only about 25% of patients with cirrhosis receive appropriate screening. This project addresses critical gaps in HCC surveillance, particularly in the context of the rising prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is expanding the population at risk. As liver disease patterns evolve, there is an urgent need to better understand how to identify at-risk individuals and optimize surveillance strategies. The study aims to: Develop and implement the infrastructure for a population-based HCC surveillance registry Evaluate methods to accurately identify patients with MASLD using ICD codes, laboratory data, and radiology reports This innovative work

If you’ve ever joined the Department of Radiology as a faculty member or APP and found your onboarding process smoother than expected, chances are Mackenzie Cranford had something to do with it. As a credentialing coordinator, Mackenzie works behind the scenes to ensure that every clinician is fully vetted, approved, and ready to care for patients from day one. It’s a role that rarely makes headlines—but its impact is felt in every clinic, reading room, and procedure suite. “While I don’t help patients directly,” she says, “I help people who help people.” That perspective drives everything she does. The Gatekeeper of Readiness Credentialing is more than paperwork—it’s a critical safeguard in patient care. Mackenzie helps guide providers through a two-step process: verifying their background, training, and licensure, and then working with the Medical Staff Office to ensure they are granted the precise privileges needed for their clinical work. It doesn’t stop there. Every two years, those same providers return for recredentialing—a process that ensures their roles and responsibilities remain aligned with what they actually practice. “It’s about keeping things accurate and safe,” she explains. “We want to make sure everyone is practicing exactly within their scope.” Mackenzie’s reach extends beyond