Our relaunched newsletter will keep you in the loop
Welcome to the VCU Department of Radiation Sciences newsletter 2.0! For many years, the faculty and I produced a quarterly newsletter with little experience and knowledge to do so. Essentially, our department newsletters were held together with the proverbial duct tape.
Since the opening of our College of Health Professions building, both the department and college have made significant strides in enhancing interprofessional education and developing efficiencies that could only come with being under one roof.
This newsletter is a testament to the resources, expertise and knowledge now available to us, enabling us to share the good news about Radiation Sciences. If you graduated five or more years ago, so many things have changed – and you’ll read about the great happenings in our department.
In April, Radiation Sciences students took their learning beyond the classroom – and across the Atlantic Ocean – as part of the “History of Medical Imaging” course. The group explored historic sites in Germany and France, where groundbreaking discoveries in X-ray technology and radiation therapy first began. From the Röntgen Museum to the Curie laboratories, students gained firsthand insight into the scientific milestones and safety lessons that continue to shape the profession today.
What do future radiologists and a 93-year-old death metal singer have in common?
At VCU, they’re both part of a new effort to challenge ageism in health care. A unique collaboration between Radiation Sciences and Gerontology is helping students rethink assumptions about aging – with research showing it’s already changing attitudes.
Nuclear Medicine concentration energized by new faculty
Central Virginia’s only Nuclear Medicine concentration, a part of the B.S. in Clinical Radiation Sciences degree program, has renewed energy with the addition of new faculty members who bonded on day one to educate and inspire students for careers they may not have thought possible. We welcomed Heidy Palacios, MBA, as director and assistant professor, and Charlie Downing as clinical coordinator.
A leading story last year was the expansion and reconfiguration of labs where students get hands-on practice before clinical training. Faculty research and connecting with alums also were highlights.
In its first five years, the DMS program has graduated more than 20 students. The past year included international research presentations by faculty and expanded lab facilities for students.
Starting clinics, traveling abroad and gaining lab experiences
During spring break, a tour through Germany and France gave students a glimpse into the history of medical imaging, helping them understand the profession’s origins and the evolution of safety in today’s practice. Other highlights include launching into clinical rotations, faculty research and hands-on learning.
Veteran's journey takes him from Army to X-ray room
After 21 years of military service and five overseas deployments, Joe McCampbell was ready for his next chapter, and a career assessment pointed him toward radiation sciences. Now a student at VCU, McCampbell brings his military experience – precision, adaptability and a people-first mindset – into every patient interaction.
Before Commencement activities in May, Radiation Sciences hosted an April luncheon for students graduating from its programs. During the event, the department presented outstanding senior awards to three students, while the students shared results of their votes for the year's top instructors.
Reconfigured labs, cutting-edge technology enhance training
By strategically shuffling how it uses dedicated lab space, Radiation Sciences is introducing new technology and expanding hands-on training for future practitioners, which is critical in a field where pinpoint accuracy is the only acceptable treatment.
Together, these three labs play a vital role in preparing students to pass their national certification exams before entering the practice.
Your financial support enables us to add lab training stations, allowing more students to use the resources simultaneously. Funds also go toward replenishing one-use training products, such as molds for learning accurate and consistent patient placement. Thank you for your generous assistance in supporting future practitioners.
In April, Radiation Sciences students participated in Research Weeks 2025, which highlighted the groundbreaking discoveries, lifesaving innovations and impact of the research conducted at the university. VCU has crossed the $500 million threshold in sponsored funding and ranks as a top 50 research university for the third consecutive year.
Nuclear Medicine hosted a retirement party for Mark Crosthwaite, M.Ed., CNMT, now an associate professor emeritus, and Paul Riley, former clinical coordinator. We appreciate their years of dedicated education and service.
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