The Department would like to recognize the following new faculty and staff members who joined UNC Radiology during the first six months of 2021:
Rachel Hitt, MD, MPH: Associate Professor of Radiology – Breast Imaging
Dr. Hitt joined UNC Department of Radiology Breast Imaging division in July 2021 as an Associate Professor of Radiology. She is the newest faculty member on a clinical division team working under the direction of Division Chief Dr. Cherie Kuzmiak.
Before joining UNC Radiology, Dr. Hitt served as a Radiologist in Breast Imaging at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates / Atrius Health (2013 – 2021). Prior to that appointment, she spent nine years as a Breast Imaging Staff Radiologist and Instructor (2004-2013) and as the Fellowship Director in Breast Imaging at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hitt graduated from Harvard Medical School and then completed both her Diagnostic Radiology residency (2000-2004) and Breast Imaging focused fellowship year (2003-2004) at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Her Preliminary Medical Internship was at the Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA (1999-2000). Dr. Hitt also has a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan in Health Education and Health Behavior. She also recently obtained certification in Relationship Centered Healthcare Communication from the Academy of Communication in Healthcare.
Dr. Hitt noted, “I am excited to be here. I am eager to participate in and further encourage patient-centered care at UNC. Additionally, I feel fortunate to be part of the outstanding clinical team for which UNC is known. BBQ suggestions welcomed!”
Fallon Jones-Jefferson, RN, MS: Research Nurse
Ms. Jones-Jefferson joined the Department’s Clinical Research division as the team’s Research Nurse in July 2021. In this role, she participates in patient recruitment, provides nursing support for clinical research and answers queries regarding current research within UNC Radiology.
Fallon has over 17 years of clinical experience in Women’s Health, Public Health, and Army Medicine. Ms. Jones-Jefferson received a BS from Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a BA in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and an MS in Advanced Public Health Nursing from the University of North Dakota. She is currently finishing her PhD in Nursing Research with an emphasis in Obesity Prevention from the University of Texas at Austin.
Fallon stated: “I enjoy the vulnerability of the research setting. People come to us seeking miracles and helping participants make it to their best provides me great wealth. I have helped usher parents through the death of their infant, aided Native People in understanding conventional medications, and held the hand of transgendered young adults finding their confidence.
I feel that patients/participants see my heart and their trust forms from that encounter. I hope to use my gift in providing unwavering care to our participants, so that they will encourage others to contribute to research, hopefully at our organization. I love reading, CrossFit, parenting, and long walks on the beach.”
Adriana Delgado: Clinical Research Assistant – UNC Radiology Clinical Research Division
Adriana joined the Department’s Clinical Research team in August. In this new role, Adriana is one of four Clinical Research Assistants in a division overseen by Associate Director for Clinical Research Operations Terry Hartman. As part of a team that supports clinical and translational Department faculty researchers, she works in patient recruitment, a database-building (REDCap) and data entry. As a native Spanish speaker, Adriana brings an invaluable skill to the Clinical Research team that enables enrollment of Spanish-speaking participants in clinical research studies.
Adriana recently completing the clinical research associate program at Durham Technical Community College (AAS). Prior to this training, her work experience also includes serving as manager of 3 Brothers Renovations, working as an intern at Wake Research where she was responsible for patient recruitment/screening for multiple funded studies, and an internship with UNC radiology where she was responsible for assisting with IRB submissions, bio specimen collection, regulatory updates, translating consent forms, and CORE anonymization.
Adriana stated: “I feel as though my prior experiences have prepared me to be a great asset to the clinical division team. I look forward to growing and expanding my knowledge on patient enrollment, regulatory maintenance and study start-up.”
Joanna Evans, MS, BA: Faculty Administrative Assistant
Joanna joined the Department in June 2021 as a new Faculty Administrative Assistant. In this role, Joanna provides administrative support to Interventional Radiology division faculty members. Joanna’s additional administrative roles include supporting Business Manager Paul Marini, MHA, and program coordination for Radiology Faculty Affairs.
Prior to joining UNC Radiology, Joanna’s professional experience centered primarily around collegiate athletics. Most recently, Joanna worked at UNC-Charlotte in the men’s basketball office as an Administrative Associate/Business Services Coordinator (2018-2021). At UNC-Chapel Hill, she has worked as an Administrative Associate/Business Services Coordinator for UNC’s Athletics Business Office (2014-2016) and as an Administrative Associate for UNC Football (2013-2014). She obtained her BA in Communications from High Point University (2013) and her MS in Kinesiology, Sports Management & Policy from the University of Georgia (2018).
Joanna noted: “I’m looking forward to branching out into the healthcare field!”
PHOTOS (L to R): Rachel Hitt, MD, MPH / Fallon Jones-Jefferson, RN, MS / Adriana Delgado
Not Pictured: Joanna Evans, MS, BA