From UCSF MSBI Graduate to Research Associate at UCSF Radiology: Hear from Ravi Chachad, MS

Ravi Chachad, MS is a research associate in the Musculoskeletal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab, also known as the Krug Lab. The lab's main research interest relates to the assessment (using MRI) and treatment (using MR guided Focused UltraSound FUS) of lower back pain. Roland Krug, PhD is the principal investigator (PI).

"In the Krug Lab, I am starting to conduct spine scans on volunteers to create a robust protocol for then scanning patients with low back pain in the near future," Chachad says. "I am then taking these images and segmenting the endplates in the lumbar spine."

Chachad graduated from the Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging (MSBI) program at the UC San Francisco Department of Biomedical Imaging in September 2019. The program is a course of study intended for students with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in science or engineering who wish to master biomedical imaging.

"The MSBI program gave me a lot of background information that has made the transition to musculoskeletal imaging projects easier for me," says Chachad. "All the hands-on experience I received during the program helped me with this new role since it includes scanning."

Indeed, the MSBI program features a wide range of courses, many of which include hands-on utilization of imaging equipment in addition to lecture-based learning.

"The most valuable thing I gained is the hands-on experience of how to scan volunteers/ patients in MRI. In many cases, it is a new and intimidating experience to be in an MRI," Chachad says. "Seeing how many of the professors, researchers and technologists interact with the person being scanned to make them feel more comfortable is a skill that is hard to teach."

Chachad's academic journey began at UC San Diego where he received his B.S. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. After graduating from the UCSF MSBI program, as discussed, he is now working at UCSF. Overall, MSBI graduates have continued on to medical schools, PhD programs, research positions within academic labs, and a wide range of occupations in industry.

What's next for Ravi Chachad? "I am planning on pursuing either an MD or PhD in the near future," he says.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging (MSBI) graduate program. For information on applying, please email [email protected].