Researcher to Watch 2015: Edward Bluth, MD

The winner of the researcher category of our Top People to Watch in Radiology 2015 contest: Edward Bluth, MD, chairman emeritus, department of radiology, section head, ultrasonography, medical director, non-invasive vascular laboratory, Ochsner Medical Center.

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What is your greatest accomplishment?

That’s a difficult question. Obviously, it’s my children and grandchildren. But, in terms of radiology, it’s writing several textbooks on ultrasound and teaching many residents and sonographers the intricacies of ultrasound. In specific to ultrasound, it’s helping develop the criteria to grade carotid stenosis and characterize carotid plaque, making the first observations regarding the identification of bowel abnormalities with ultrasound, developing criteria necessary to evaluate pancreas and liver transplants and to identify – with ultrasound – complications of transplants which can be treated and, thereby, salvaging allografts.

In addition, as chairman of the Human Resources Commission of the ACR, I have developed the annual Workforce Survey, detailing the radiology job market and co-authored many papers on human resources issues that affect radiologists, such as retirement strategies, part time work, health issues, burnout, and the impaired radiologist.

What has been your biggest challenge throughout your career?

The biggest challenge has been to have others accept the value of ultrasound in identifying abnormalities and to have radiologists continue to be actively involved in evaluating patients to achieve optimal assessments.

What is a goal you have for the remainder of your career?

My goal is to continue working with the annual ACR Workforce Survey and to continue developing a compendium of papers on the appropriate practice of radiology so radiologists can have an optimal working environment.

What change would you like to see happen in radiology in next 10 years?

I would like for radiology to be better recognized and appreciated by patients and insurers for the great value we add to medical care.