Walter Kucharczyk

Professor, Departments of Medical Imaging and Surgery (Neurosurgery), University of Toronto;
Affiliate Scientist, Toronto Western Research Institute (TWRI);
Associate Member, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto;
Hans Fischer Senior Fellow, Institute of Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich;
Staff Neuroradiologist, Joint Department of Medical Imaging (JDMI);
Dr. Walter Kucharczyk graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto in 1979. He then completed a Residency in Diagnostic Radiology in Toronto, followed by a year as a Fellow and a year as visiting faculty member in Neuroradiology at UCSF, specifically focussing on MRI. He joined the faculty of the University of Toronto and Toronto General Hospital in 1986, and became the hospital’s inaugural Director of MRI.
In 1991 he was appointed Professor and Chair, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, a position he held until 2007. After completing his term as Chair, he did a one-year sabbatical in the department of mechanical engineering in the Institute of Advance Studies at the Technical University of Munich, focussing on image-navigation and robotics for medical procedures.
In 2003-2004 he was President of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Dr. Kucharczyk’s research interests include image-based tissue characterization, the design and development of imaging systems for image guidance of minimally invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment, the development of magnetic resonance thermography for real-time image monitoring of thermal coagulation of human cancers, correlation of MRI monitored thermal lesions with histology and patient outcome, and assessment of tissue perfusion after thermal therapy using MRI contrast agents. Dr. Kucharczyk has in excess of 200 peer-reviewed publications in the field, and over 500 invited international lectures. He holds numerous peer-reviewed and industry sponsored research grants. He has served on the Executive Committee of the ASNR, and was Founder and Chair of the ASNR International Collaboration Committee.
In 2010 he was presented with the ISMRM 2010 Distinguished Service Medal by her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden at the Annual Meeting of the ISMRM in Stockholm, Sweden.