The UNC Cardiothoracic Imaging division marked a historic milestone this year, significantly expanding its educational footprint at the Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR) 2026 Annual Meeting held in beautiful Puerto Rico.
Our team delivered a robust presence with four oral presentations, one scientific poster, and four educational posters. This achievement represents a major leap forward in our department’s national visibility.
Highlights of the Conference:
We are incredibly proud of our diverse group of presenters who showcased the high caliber of research and clinical expertise at UNC:
- Dr. Vivek Somasundaram (Resident)
- Dr. Poonam Yadav (Fellow)
- Dr. Ajay Muthukumar (Medical Student)
- Dr. Behrooz Masoudi (Faculty)
- Dr. Clark Hollins (Faculty)
- Dr. Muthu Sakthivel (Faculty)A Decade in the Making
This year was particularly significant as it marked the first time in a decade that both UNC Radiology residents and UNC School of Medicine students presented at the STR conference.
Our evolution from a modest presence to a major contributor at national meetings is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our leadership. We extend our sincere gratitude to:
- Dr. Kohi, Department Chairman
- Our dedicated Radiology Program Directors
- Dr. Hazelton, Cardiothoracic Imaging Division Chief
- The entire Cardiothoracic Imaging Faculty
“This is just the beginning. We have evolved rapidly as a team, and we couldn’t have achieved this level of national recognition without the structural support and mentorship provided by our leadership.”
Looking Ahead: STR 2027
As we celebrate this success, we are already looking toward the future. We want to keep this momentum going and encourage all radiology residents to begin preparing their research and cases.
- Next Stop: STR 2027
- Location: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
STR 2027 Goal: To further expand our presentation count and Radiology Resident involvement.
Congratulations to everyone involved for putting UNC Radiology on the map in Puerto Rico!