Six MIR Faculty Honored with Dean’s Impact Award
This year, the WashU Medicine Dean’s Impact Awards highlighted faculty who have demonstrated enduring commitment and achievement in community engagement. Given on behalf of Dean David H. Perlmutter, MD, six awardees from WashU Medicine Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology represent a diverse range of initiatives and global efforts, each leaving a profound mark on both local and international communities.
Above, from left to right:
Tabassum Ahmad, MD, associate professor of radiology, is honored for her far-reaching influence in improving breast health services and awareness. As the director of breast imaging at Christian Hospital, she has led the expansion of diagnostic breast imaging and advocated for nurse navigators to guide patients through their cancer journey, bringing critical support to underserved populations in St. Louis. Ahmad’s global outreach includes a radiology mission to Grenada through RAD-AID, where she educated clinicians at the Grenada General Hospital and Ministry of Health. Her commitment extends to ongoing research with Aga Khan University Hospitals in Tanzania and Pakistan, where she works with collaborators to address delays in breast cancer diagnosis.
Sagine Berry-Tony, MD, assistant professor of radiology, is transforming interventional radiology care for women with complex gynecological needs. She developed a uterine artery embolization service line to treat fibroids and heavy bleeding, and she works on a team providing fertility-sparing procedures for placenta accreta and other high-risk conditions. Berry-Tony collaborated with WashU Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology to launch a comprehensive women’s health program. She also extends her expertise internationally, having provided breast and cervical cancer imaging and interventions in Haiti through the Association Medicale Haitienne A L’Etranger.
Malak Itani, MD, associate professor of radiology, nomination reflects her dual impact in both community service and radiology education. A leader in ultrasound and nuclear medicine, she has extended services to underserved areas of St. Louis and launched a new ultrasound clinic at Casa de Salud, which serves immigrant and refugee populations. Beyond clinical care, Itani is a dedicated mentor and co-directs the abdominal radiology immersion for WashU medical students. She has received national recognition for her educational work, contributed to professional guidelines through major radiology societies, and continues to advocate for equitable access to high-quality imaging services.
Elizabeth G. McFarland, MD, professor of radiology, brings decades of expertise and a national voice to radiology practice and policy. As prior chair of the American College of Radiology Colon Cancer Committee, she served as lead radiologist in the 2008 American Cancer Society guidelines and then served on the board of the National Colorectal Cancer Round Table. Her leadership extends to the Missouri Radiological Society, where she mentors residents and fosters advocacy. Locally, McFarland organizes health fairs and supports equity-focused programs such as the Breast Cancer Equity Group at Siteman Cancer Center.
Benjamin S. Strnad, MD, assistant professor of radiology, is making a significant difference in access to diagnostic care through his work with underserved populations. As director of the abdominal biopsy service and abdominal radiology procedural quality and safety, he also co-leads the portable ultrasound clinic at Casa de Salud with Itani. Together, they’ve doubled clinic availability to meet growing demand for accessible, compassionate bedside radiology. His clinics provide essential imaging for uninsured and underinsured patients, with exams ranging from abdominal scans to evaluations of palpable lesions. Strnad’s work exemplifies a deep commitment to patient-centered, equitable radiologic care.
Sharlene A. Teefey, MD, professor of radiology, is a recognized expert in diagnostic ultrasound who has made lasting global contributions through education and outreach. She has trained clinicians in Bhutan, Uganda and Thailand, helping regions with limited access to advanced imaging build sustainable ultrasound programs. Teefey’s passion extends beyond radiology to social empowerment. Through Microfinancing Partners in Africa, she has supported projects like Uganda’s “cow program,” which helps lift women out of poverty. Her efforts have broadened the impact of diagnostic imaging and improved women’s health on a global scale.
