RSNA Member Spotlight: Julius Chapiro, MD, PhD
Learn more about a fellow RSNA member
Julius Chapiro, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of radiology, digestive diseases (hepatology) and biomedical engineering at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Leipzig and his doctoral degree from the Justus Liebig University Giessen, both in Germany. Dr. Chapiro completed his postdoctoral fellowship in interventional oncology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and his interventional radiology residency in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at Yale.
In 2016, he joined Yale as a research scientist, later continuing on the ladder track to a faculty position. He currently serves as the principal investigator in the institution’s Interventional Oncology Research Laboratory.
A dedicated researcher and educator, Dr. Chapiro’s work focuses on the development of novel imaging biomarkers to diagnose, characterize and treat liver cancer. He is also a clinically active interventional radiologist, primarily caring for patients with the disease. In recognition of his high-quality educational contributions, Dr. Chapiro is a three-time recipient of the RSNA Honored Educator Award.
Dr. Chapiro is an engaged RSNA member, previously serving as chair of the Interventional Radiology Subcommittee of the RSNA Annual Meeting Program Planning Committee (AMPPC). He is also an editorial board member of several scientific journals, including Radiology and Radiology: Artificial Intelligence.
What or who sparked your interest in radiology?
Since my early childhood, I have been a huge Star Trek fan. I loved the idea of being able to diagnose complex medical conditions with a "tricorder scan" without even touching the patient. Dr. Leonard McCoy, aka “Bones” was definitely a huge role model.
When I was introduced to radiology as a medical student, it was love at first sight. I quickly understood that radiology is the most technologically advanced and futuristic specialty in medicine.
When diving in further, I quickly discovered interventional radiology—and more specifically, image-guided interventions in cancer patients—to be one of the most fascinating subspecialties in the world.
Being able to gently and minimally invasively treat cancer patients using advanced image guidance is the epitome of high-tech medicine. As a practicing interventional oncologist, I sometimes feel like I'm living the dream of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. What we do daily for our patients is super cool and sometimes surreal, but always exciting. Never a dull moment!
What has been your best professional accomplishment?
I would say that being a principal investigator of the Yale Interventional Oncology Laboratory and mentoring students, residents and postdocs is one of the most fun things in my professional life. It's extremely gratifying to see my mentees grow, build character and develop scientific depth. Watching them build independent careers is, without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of my career.
When I see former doctoral students like Lynn Savic, MD, become independently funded principal investigators in labs of their own, I certainly feel a great deal of accomplishment and legacy. Dr. Savic is, the incoming chair of the Interventional Radiology Subcommittee of the AMPPC. What a great way to achieve continuity!
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
The subspecialty of interventional radiology is very young and constantly being challenged by the ever-evolving health care landscape. Many of my colleagues feel as though we are surgical specialists rather than radiologists and some seek to distance themselves from the radiologist identity. This is perhaps understandable in light of our practice environment and clinical demands.
Patients, insurers and referring physicians have difficulties wrapping their minds around our identity. Some incorrectly perceive us as proceduralists without meaningful clinical patient relationships, and others misunderstand our services as a commodity. This reduces our footprint in hospital systems and makes it very difficult to establish and market our identity as distinct and predominantly patient facing.
I have a busy clinic and enjoy longitudinal care of my cancer patients, many of whom have my personal cell phone number and often contact me as their first go-to caregiver.
The way I see it, we should stand tall given our extensive expertise in imaging, which distinguishes us from our colleagues in similar practice fields.
Let's make sure we never abandon our radiology roots and remain well-rounded in what defines our advantage while building on our excellent clinical skill set. The integrated interventional radiology residency is a huge asset and continues to build the professional backbone dedicated to our clinical needs.
What RSNA resources do you enjoy most?
RSNA has fantastic educational offerings online. As a resident, I learned all my physics from the online modules.
The annual meeting offers a strong foundation for interventional radiology education while exposing attendees to fantastic opportunities in science and industry.
Importantly, RSNA offers the annual Clinical Trials Methodology Workshop, previously led by living legend Michael C. Soulen, MD.
The R&E Foundation grant programs are an outstanding opportunity for investigators to obtain seed funding for their interventional radiology research programs.
The scientific journals are the number one submission target for all of us publishing our top science.
There are so many fabulous resources and opportunities that make a huge difference for one's career in interventional radiology.
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
I'm a huge car guy and love visiting car shows and working on my own old-timer when time allows. My dad and I used to work on cars in our garage when I was young and now, I’m trying to pass that skillset on to the next generation as well.
There is no better way to improve hands-on skills than by doing it yourself. What better way to bond than working on an old V8 AMG engine and "burning dinosaurs" together? This year, I'm hoping to build my own Shelby Cobra at the Factory Five shop with a bunch of other interventional radiology guys. That'll be tremendous!