“The OMI embodies the spirit of connection, teaching, and learning. While technology, especially in medical imaging, has advanced at an extraordinary pace, our greatest progress continues to come from sharing knowledge, inspiring one another, and learning together. These enduring values are more vital today than ever before,” states faculty member Dr. Lawrence H. Schwartz, Radiology Department Chair at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Since 1995, he has been supporting the OMI radiology program.
From November 2-8, 2025, the OMI hosted its 31st chapter of the diagnostic imaging seminar. This seminar marked a bittersweet yet noteworthy transition in co-course directors. Dr. Franz Kainberger (Medical University of Vienna) has decided to hand over the baton of co-course director to newcomer Dr. Gerlig Widmann (Medical University of Innsbruck) after serving the OMI seminars 16 times. Dr. Widmann will teach alongside long-term OMI supporter and course director Dr. David W. Trost.
The remainder of the faculty was made up of Dr. Lawrence H. Schwartz (MSKCC), Dr. Andrew D. Schweitzer, Dr. Katerina Dodelzon (both Weill Cornell Medicine), Dr. Suzanne E. Anderson (University of Bern), Dr. Florian A. Huber (University Hospital Zurich), Dr. Klaus Hergan, Dr. Rosemarie Forstner (both General Hospital of Salzburg), and Dr. Leonhard Gruber (Medical University Innsbruck). The faculty’s diverse backgrounds gave the 33 fellows from 21 countries a glimpse into the way various procedures are conducted at the faculty’s high-class institutions.
Some of the cutting-edge topics covered during the week were breast MRI, biomechanics of sports injuries, temporal bone and skull-base imaging, unusual interventional procedures, and neuroradiologic emergencies in cancer patients. Fellows presented cases from their own practice, which gave them the unique opportunity to present in front of experts in the field as well as an international cohort.
“As we gathered once again in Salzburg for the 2025 seminar in Diagnostic Imaging, I found it hard to believe that this marked my 27th year of involvement with this remarkable program. Over nearly three decades, it has been an extraordinary privilege to be part of an enduring partnership dedicated to advancing education, collaboration, and excellence in diagnostic imaging. The fellows’ enthusiasm, curiosity, and insight enriched every discussion and reminded us that medical education is a two-way exchange. We learned from them just as they learned from us. The cases and disease patterns they encounter in their home countries often differ from those we see in ours, providing unique perspectives that deepen our collective understanding and strengthen our global medical community,” remarked course director Dr. Trost.
He continued, “One of the enduring truths I’ve discovered throughout my years with the OMI is that the learning never stops. The questions, perspectives, and dedication of our fellows continue to inspire us and reaffirm the importance of this program. Together, we are not only sharing knowledge, we are raising the bar for patient care around the world.”
Zhandos Amankulov, MD, PhD
OMI fellow from Kazakhstan
“Dr. Katerina Dodelzon gave an excellent lecture on the latest advancements in breast imaging. It made me reflect on the screening process in my country. Given Kazakhstan’s resources and the relatively low cost of radiological exams, we must integrate the innovations she presented. This has become a personal goal of mine: to do everything possible to make sure that Kazakhstan adopts modern screening methods truly capable of saving lives.”
Omololu Adesunkanmi, MD, MBChB
OMI fellow from Nigeria
“This course has broadened my knowledge and deepened my appreciation for the field of radiology. The lectures, the case presentations, and the interaction with faculty sharpened my clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills. Connecting with fellows from around the world also gave me new perspectives on teamwork, cultural diversity, and lifelong learning.”
Aija Agera, MD
OMI fellow from Latvia
“Dr. Gerlig Widmann delivered insightful lectures on interstitial lung diseases and inflammatory conditions of the neck. His talks were truly helpful in boosting my confidence when interpreting neck imaging and tackling challenging cases.”
