It is not common for an imaging leader from one health care system to nominate a Rising Star candidate from outside the system, but that is exactly what happened when University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Chief Medical Physicist Dave Jordan nominated Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Director of Health Science Ryan Kocak, (ARRT) (R)(CT).
“Ryan is a visionary leader driving the adoption of new technologies to improve care for U.S. veterans. A veteran himself, Ryan was the original architect of the VA Radiation Dose Network (VARDN) project and is engaged in ongoing innovations around 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, and radiology data analytics. He is also pursuing a Ph.D. to develop his skills and knowledge to the next level. Ryan has been recognized within the VA organization as a successful innovator, and he is a valued team member and resource for radiology leaders within the organization,” Jordan wrote in the nomination.
ICE Magazine recently found out more about Kocak and what makes him stand out as a Rising Star.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Amherst, Ohio, approximately 30 minutes west of Cleveland. Since leaving for the U.S. Air Force after high school, I’ve primarily resided in Florida, Kentucky, and, for the past 10 years, in Sharon Township, Ohio.
Q: Where did you receive your imaging training?
A: I received my initial imaging training and education through the U.S. Air Force. This experience allowed me to earn a degree in radiological sciences and become a registered radiologic technologist in both radiography and computed tomography.
Q: How did you first decide to start working in imaging?
A: Enlisting in the U.S. Air Force led me to the diagnostic imaging career field. Although I had limited knowledge about imaging before joining, I quickly developed a passion for the technology, physics, and creative aspects involved in generating and managing medical images. My prior background in computers and networking propelled me to delve into DICOM and HL7 applications within imaging.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: The most rewarding aspect of my job is building enhanced systems for veteran care. This often entails identifying areas for enhancement throughout the entire imaging process, including pre-exam analytics, technology deployment, image storage and transmission across an imaging enterprise, and post-exam processes.
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: I thoroughly enjoy applying new technologies and processes to diagnostic imaging, particularly those related to “extending the imaging chain.” This involves activities such as post-processing cross-sectional imaging for 3D printing and extended reality models, as well as processing and generating imaging metadata for quality improvement initiatives.
Q: What interests you the most about the imaging field?
A: I’m particularly fascinated by the digitalization of anatomy and biological processes. Witnessing the evolution of the imaging industry from 90-second film processors to computed radiography, digital radiography, and now the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements has been truly captivating and enjoyable to be a small part of.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your field thus far?
A: While serving as an associate radiation safety officer, I embarked on a project to track dose output data through DICOM. This endeavor evolved into the VA Radiation Dose Network (VARDN) project, involving the indexing of radiation exposure metrics across the VHA. This grassroots initiative expanded across the VHA, providing me with valuable experience in navigating and leading other large-scale projects.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the next 5 years?
A: Over the next five years, I aim to complete my doctorate and contribute to the ethical advancement of AI in imaging science. I’m also dedicated to further developing a novel imaging data curation tool for AI research within the VHA.
Fun Facts
Favorite hobby: Tinkering
Favorite Show: “Ted Lasso”
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite vacation spot: Family vacation home in Bellaire, Florida
1 Thing on Your Bucket List: A Cleveland Browns Super Bowl.
Something your co-workers don’t know about you: I attended seminary and served as a chaplain in the Air Force.
