
Message from the Chair and Chair-Elect
We're so excited to announce the newly expanded Faculty and Staff Awards for 2025 - and to encourage you to nominate your peers! With 15 faculty awards and 19 staff awards up for grabs, there are ample opportunities to celebrate faculty and staff who go above and beyond every day.
Please take the time to read the criteria for each award and then craft a nomination that provides all the information our Selection Committee members need to identify the best of the best.
Thank you for all you do!
Susan Palasis, MD, FASPNR Chair, Emory Radiology 2025 Faculty and Staff Awards Professor of Radiology and Pediatrics Emory University School of Medicine Director of Pediatric Neuroradiology Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta |
Malissa Dawn Smith, BS, RT(R)(M)(ARRT) Chair-Elect, Emory Radiology 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards Enterprise Radiology Director, US & VL Emory Healthcare |
Nominations Open Until September 9!
Each fall, Emory Radiology takes time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions and accomplishments of the Emory Radiology family with the annual Faculty and Staff Awards.
To nominate someone for one of the 15 faculty and 19 staff awards that recognize the range of contributions of clinical, research, and administrative staff as well as clinical and research faculty, simply click to access the nomination form.
Nominations are due on September 9.
Please contact Justin Vaughn at justin.charles.vaughn@emory.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Faculty Awards
Nominations are sought for the following faculty awards:
Award | Eligibility | Criteria |
Outstanding Clinical Radiologist: Junior Faculty Award Senior Faculty Award |
Junior Faculty: <7 years from completion of training Senior Faculty > 7 years from completion of training |
These awards (one for junior faculty and one for senior faculty) recognize Radiology and Imaging Sciences junior faculty who consistently exemplify excellence in patient care, diagnostic acumen, professionalism, and collaborative practice. |
360 Champion Award |
All faculty |
This award is bestowed upon a faculty member by the staff of the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences. It recognizes the outstanding dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of an outstanding faculty member that works closely with staff and who embodies the values of mutual support, shared excellence, and patient-centered care. |
Inclusive Excellence Award |
All faculty |
This award recognizes a faculty member in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences who demonstrates inclusive excellence to the benefit of the Emory community, the patients we serve, and learners we teach. |
Outstanding Scientific Research: Junior Faculty Award Senior Faculty Award |
Junior Faculty <7 years from completion of training Senior Faculty >7 years from completion of training |
These awards (one for junior faculty and one for senior faculty) recognize Radiology and Imaging Sciences faculty who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in scientific research with measurable impact on the field. |
Outstanding Mentor Award |
All faculty |
This award honors a faculty member in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the professional and academic development of trainees, junior faculty, and colleagues. |
Outstanding Clinical Research: Junior Faculty Award Senior Faculty Award |
Junior Faculty <7 years from completion of training Senior Faculty >7 years from completion of training |
These awards (one for junior faculty and one for senior faculty) recognize Radiology and Imaging Sciences faculty whose clinically focused research has significantly advanced patient care, diagnostic accuracy, and imaging practice. |
Outstanding Service in Support of the Emory Radiology Mission: Junior Faculty Award Senior Faculty Award |
Junior Faculty <7 years from completion of training Senior Faculty >7 years from completion of training |
These awards (one for junior faculty and one for senior faculty) recognize Radiology and Imaging Sciences faculty who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the promotion of health, discovery and innovation, and educating the future healthcare workforce in line with Emory Department of Radiology’s mission. |
Rising Star Award | Junior faculty <7 years from completion of training |
This award recognizes junior faculty who demonstrate outstanding performance and promise in academic radiology. |
Outstanding Service and Patient Advocacy: Junior Faculty Award Senior Faculty Award |
Junior Faculty <7 years from completion of training Senior Faculty >7 years from completion of training |
These awards (one for junior faculty and one for senior faculty) recognize Radiology and Imaging Sciences who demonstrate outstanding clinical service, communication, and advocacy for patient-centered care. |
Lifetime Achievement |
Senior Faculty |
This is the highest award that the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences bestows on faculty who have made significant and sustained lifetime contributions in service, scholarship, leadership, teaching, and dedication to the patients and community we serve. |
Staff Awards
Award | Eligibility | Criteria |
Compassionate Beacon Care Award |
Radiology Nurses at all Levels | To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences nurses who exemplify the highest standards of clinical excellence, compassion, and patient advocacy. These individuals serve as beacons of compassionate care, consistently demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to safety and quality in every patient interaction. The award celebrates those who elevate Radiology Nursing through clinical expertise, innovation, and unwavering dedication to enhancing the patient experience across all imaging environments. |
Harmonic Precision Award |
MRI Technologists |
To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences technologists who demonstrate innovation and exceptional skills recognizing the intricate balance of magnetic and radio waves that are harnessed to create detailed images. This award celebrates those who elevate MRI through expertise, creativity, and dedication to advancing patient care. |
Imaging with Heart Award |
Cardiac Imaging Technologists | To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences technologist who demonstrates innovation and exceptional skills in Cardiac imaging, the very essence of patient care. Like the heart itself—steadfast, vital, and life sustaining. This award celebrates those who elevate Cardiac Imaging through expertise, creativity, and dedication to advancing patient care. |
Isotope Innovator Award |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists | To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences technologist who demonstrates innovation and exceptional skills in pioneering uses of radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This award celebrates those who elevate Nuclear Medicine through expertise, creativity, and dedication to advancing patient care. |
Luminous Discovery Awar
|
X-Ray Technologists | To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences technologists who demonstrate innovation and exceptional skills working with X-ray technology and bring to light groundbreaking diagnostic insights. This award celebrates those who elevate Diagnostic X-Ray through expertise, creativity, and dedication to advancing patient care. |
Pathfinder Award | Interventional Radiology Technologists |
This award honors Radiology and Imaging Sciences technologists who demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and precision in a highly specialized field of Interventional Radiology (IR). While IR is rooted in minimally invasive techniques, it involves the delivery of complex and advanced image-guided treatments that demand a deep understanding of anatomy, technology, and procedural care. The Pathfinder Award celebrates those who navigate the intricacies of the human body with skill and ingenuity, contributing to transformative outcomes through targeted therapies, procedural excellence, and dedication to patient-centered care. Honorees elevate the field of Interventional Radiology by advancing clinical practice, improving procedural workflows, and embodying the highest standards of technical and collaborative excellence. |
360 Staff Champion Award | Staff Members | To honor and recognize a Radiology and Imaging Sciences staff member who exemplifies a collaborative team spirit, consistently partnering with faculty to advance shared goals. This award honors individuals who embody the values of teamwork, mutual support, and dedication to collective success. |
Radiology Cornerstone of Care Award | Support Staff Members | This award honors the essential role that support staff members play as the foundation of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, ensuring every aspect of the service is managed with precision, care, and a commitment to excellence. It recognizes individuals whose steadfast dedication supports patients, clinicians, and the broader radiology mission. |
Radiology Guiding Light Mentor Award | Clinical Staff in Level III or Clinician Roles | This award honors a Radiology and Imaging Sciences staff member in a Level III or Clinician role who provides exceptional guidance, support, and mentorship to colleagues, trainees, and the broader radiology team. It celebrates those who illuminate the path for others through their dedication to teaching, developing skills, and fostering a culture of growth. |
Radiology Inclusive Excellence Award | Administrative, Research, Clinical Staff at any level | This award honors a Radiology and Imaging Sciences staff member who demonstrates Inclusive excellence in a way that meaningfully benefits the department and/or the patients we serve. It recognizes individuals who go beyond compliance to cultivate a culture of belonging, equity, and respect. |
Radiology Leadership Legacy Award | Senior Clinical, Administrative or Research Staff Leaders | To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences senior leaders who make significant, lasting contributions to the department, setting a high standard for leadership and excellence. |
Radiology Outstanding Service in Support of the Mission Award | Administrative Staff Members | This award honors a Radiology and Imaging Sciences staff member who demonstrates exceptional dedication in providing administrative or professional support to one or more pillars of the department’s tripartite mission: clinical service, research, and education. It recognizes those whose contributions elevate the department’s work and uphold its mission through behind-the-scenes excellence. |
Rising Radiology Leader Award | Clinical Staff at Level III or Clinician Level | Honors Radiology and Imaging Sciences team members in Level III or Clinician roles who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, initiative, and alignment with the department’s mission. These individuals serve as emerging leaders through their contributions to clinical excellence, education, innovation, and team development. They are role models among peers, demonstrating dedication to growth, collaboration, and the advancement of radiology practice. |
Radiology Trailblazer Award | Mid-level Staff Leader (supervisor or manager) | To honor and recognize a Radiology and Imaging Sciences mid-level leader (supervisor or manager) who makes bold, forward-thinking contributions that advance clinical service, education, and operations. The award celebrates those who drive improvement and innovation while building a culture of excellence. |
New Face of Excellence Award | Staff Hired within the Past Year | To honor newly hired team members in Radiology and Imaging Sciences who have consistently demonstrated service excellence, initiative, and positivempact on the department within their first year. These individuals stand out as rising contributors and role models in both clinical and non-clinical roles. |
Sound Waves of Excellence Award | Sonographer/Ultrasound Technologist | To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences sonographer who demonstrates innovation and exceptional skills in ultrasound imaging, where sound waves contour care and diagnosis. This award celebrates those who elevate ultrasound through expertise, creativity, and dedication to advancing patient care. |
Spirals of Success Award | CT Technologists | To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences technologists who demonstrate innovation and exceptional skill in CT imaging, a nod to the spiral scanning technique that revolutionized the field. This award celebrates those who elevate CT Imaging through expertise, creativity, and dedication to advancing patient care. |
Visionary in Early Detection Award | Mammography Technologists | To honor Radiology and Imaging Sciences technologists who demonstrate innovation and exceptional skill in mammography to play a critical role in the early detection and care of breast cancer. This award celebrates those who elevate mammography through expertise, creativity, and dedication to advancing patient care. |
Radiology Lifetime Achievement Award | Clinical, Administrative, or Research Staff | The Radiology Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences. It recognizes senior or executive leaders whose significant and sustained lifetime contributions in service, scholarship, leadership, and/or teaching have advanced in the field of radiology, the department, and the communities and patients we serve. |