Grant Recipient to Dept Chair

The R&E Foundation contributes to advancing medicine in the field of radiology. It is especially exciting when radiologists who have received an R&E Foundation grant are recognized for their hard work and dedication to the profession by taking a notable next step in their career. This year, two R&E Foundation grant recipients became radiology department chairs.  

Mahmud Mossa-Basha, MD was named the next radiology chair at the University of Alabama at Birmingham as of Nov. 1. Dr. Mossa-Basha is a current member of the Foundation Board of Trustees as well as a recipient of a Foundation grant. 

“The RSNA R&E Foundation provides essential funding to support advancements in radiology,” said Dr. Mossa-Basha. “I have been the proud recipient of an R&E Foundation grant which allowed me to study a timely issue regarding how COVID-19 may have long-term impacts on patients. As I step into my new role as chair of radiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I am excited to continue to give back on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and as a supporter of the work of the Foundation.” 

Christine B. Chung, MD was named the radiology chair at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine in March 2025. She has received two grants from the Foundation, the Philips/RSNA Research Seed Grant in 2002 – 2003 and then the GE HealthCare/RSNA Research Scholar Grant from 2004-2006. Her seed grant paved the way for the work completed by her scholar grant, showing the Foundation helps support a growing body of research focused on the development and application of non-invasive MRI biomarkers for the evaluation of musculoskeletal tissues.  

Dr. Chung shared, “The RSNA Research Scholar Grant was truly instrumental in launching my research career. The support I received allowed me to acquire the preliminary data necessary to successfully compete for NIH funding, which became the foundation of my trajectory as a physician–scientist. I credit that grant with giving me the opportunity to build a sustained, grant-funded research program and to grow into the role I now hold as Chair of Radiology at UC San Diego.” 

Both of Dr. Chung's grants were named for companies participating in the Vanguard Program, which is an elite group of corporate donors. 

The 2026 Foundation grant applications opened Oct. 1, and will close in late January and February. Learn more about applying for an R&E Foundation grant, or contact Keshia Osley at kosley@rsna.org.  

Learn more about the Vanguard Program, or contact Bob Leigh at rleigh@rsna.org.