SSR Researcher Spotlight

SSR Researcher Spotlight

Hamza Alizai, MD
SSR Member since 2017

 

 

Professional Background

My Postgraduate Training included:

  • Musculoskeletal Imaging Research Fellowship, University of California San Francisco
  • Residency in Diagnostic Radiology (ABR Holman Research Track), UT Health San Antonio
  • Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging, NYU Langone Health
  • Fellowship in Imaging Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Faculty & Roles:

  • Started as an Assistant Professor of Radiology at NYU Langone Health
  • Subsequently practiced as a pediatric MSK radiologist at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (Attained ABR Pediatric Radiology Certification)
  • Currently Assistant Professor of Radiology at University of Pennsylvania practicing:
    • Pediatric Radiology @ Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    • MSK radiology @ University of Pennsylvania

 

 

A Dual Focus in MSK Radiology:

  • I specialize in adult MSK imaging and Pediatric Radiology, leveraging the dual focus to address a wide range of conditions in both populations. Through advanced training in imaging informatics at UPenn, I aim to integrate AI-driven diagnostics and data analytics to drive progress in Pediatric MSK radiology on a broader scale.
  • As the Director of a Hybrid Pediatric MSK Radiology Fellowship Program, I lead a collaborative initiative between the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Boston Children's Hospital, Children’s National Hospital and the World Federation of Pediatric Imaging. This program focuses on advancing global expertise in Pediatric MSK imaging.
  • I joined SSR in 2017 and being a member of this community has played an invaluable role in my professional development.

 

My Research

  • Pediatric Musculoskeletal (MSK) Imaging: Advancing the diagnostic capabilities for conditions unique to pediatric populations such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
  • Quantitative MRI Techniques for Cartilage Assessment: Utilizing advanced imaging methods such as compositional MRI, to study cartilage degeneration and post-surgical cartilage repair.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Imaging Informatics: Advancing the integration of AI and informatics into musculoskeletal imaging, with a focus on developing AI-driven diagnostic tools and enhancing workflows.

Select Current Projects:

  • Application of MR based Synthetic CT Sequence for Diagnosis of Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions
  • Transforming MSK Interventions Service Through AI-Driven Planning and Workflow Optimization
  • Optimizing Radiology Workflow Through LLM-Driven Medical History Summarization

Select Publications:

  • Subspecialty training in pediatric musculoskeletal imaging: an innovative approach to outreach, collaboration, and faculty development. (Pediatric Radiology, 2025)
  • Ultrasonographic humeral retrotorsion comparisons in youth gymnasts. (Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery International, 2025)
  • Brant and Helms' Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology, 6th Edition: Pediatric Musculoskeletal Imaging Chapter. (2024).
  • Society of Skeletal Radiology Position Paper - Recommendations for Contrast Use in Musculoskeletal MRI: When is Non-Contrast Imaging Enough. (Skeletal Radiology, 2024)
  • Imaging Assessment of the Pediatric Elbow: Developmental Variants and Common Pathologies (Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, 2024).
  • Soft Tissue Cam Impingement in Adolescents: MRI Reveals Impingement Lesions Underappreciated on Radiographs. (The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2023)
  • Wrist Injuries Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Athletes Participating in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympic Games (Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, 2021)
  • Elbow Injuries Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Athletes Participating in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympic Games. (Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography,  2019)
  • State of the Art: MR Imaging after Knee Cartilage Repair Surgery. (Radiology, 2015)
  • MRI of the Musculoskeletal System: Advanced Applications using High and Ultrahigh Field MRI. (Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, 2015)

About Me

  • My first full-time job was driving buses through the busy streets of New York. I finally let go of my Commercial Driver’s License—don’t think I’ll be needing that backup plan anymore.

  • I really value spending time with my family—it’s what keeps me grounded.

  • Living in Pennsylvania, I love getting outdoors, whether it’s hiking forest trails or soaking in those incredible mountain views.

  • Traveling is something I can’t get enough of—I’m always looking for my next adventure or chance to explore a new culture.

  • I’m a foodie. I’m always on the hunt for hidden culinary gems and love trying out different cuisines.

  • Soccer is a big part of my life—I’ve been a huge fan of Barcelona FC for as long as I can remember.

 



 My “Two Cents”

  • Don’t take yourself too seriously.  Maintaining a sense of humor and humility will make the journey much more enjoyable.
  • Seek mentorship. Good mentors can guide you through difficult decisions and unlock new opportunities.
  • Don’t shy away from challenges. The best opportunities for growth often lie outside your comfort zone.
  • Maintain your friendships. Good friends will provide perspective and a sense of balance.