RSNA Member Spotlight: Kyle J. Hunter, MD

Kyle J. Hunter, MD, is a staff neuroradiologist and vice chair of quality in the Department of Radiology at MetroHealth System in Cleveland. He is also an assistant professor of radiology and associate program director of the diagnostic radiology residency program at the MetroHealth System–Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. 

With passions for clinical service and quality improvement, Dr. Hunter serves as radiology liaison for adult and pediatric trauma and emergency general surgery in Northeast Ohio's longest-standing Level I trauma center and regional safety net health system. He is invested in advancing quality in the department of radiology, multidisciplinary collaborations with neurosurgery and neurology in neurotrauma and stroke care, oncologic imaging and resident education. 

What or who sparked your interest in radiology?

My interest in radiology stemmed from both personal experience as a polytrauma patient in my childhood and from the encouragement of my mother, whose experience as a nuclear medicine technologist piqued my interest in the far-reaching impact of diagnostic imaging in comprehensive patient care. 

What has been your best professional accomplishment?

As an early career diagnostic neuroradiologist, my greatest professional accomplishment has been the appointment to interim vice chair of the Department of Radiology and vice chair of quality in diagnostic radiology at the MetroHealth System. It has been an honor to uphold the mission of MetroHealth in serving the community, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.  I strive to enhance the quality of health care delivery in the greater Cleveland community. 

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

Among the greatest challenges of my career have been training residents whose medical school experiences were shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing clinical and administrative duties with those of fatherhood, and unifying our academic radiologists under the common goal of sustained high-quality care amid rising imaging volumes and physician burnout.