Phoenix VA Doctor Receives VISN 22 Radiologist of the Year Imaging ICC Award
Brian J. Igel, M.D., Phoenix VA radiology chief, is the first recipient to receive the VISN 22 Radiologist of the Year Imaging Integrated Clinical Community (ICC) award, which recognizes and honors exceptional contributions by employees in providing high quality healthcare services to Veterans.
The VISN 22 imaging ICC awards was presented for the first time in 2023 to acknowledge the dedication, expertise of the individual and the impact on patient care within the VA. The award was also a mechanism to hopefully encourage a culture of excellence and motivate others to strive for outstanding performance in their respective fields.
“I feel very honored to receive the inaugural Radiologist of the Year Award,” said Dr. Igel. “To be selected out of the large pool of dedicated individuals who are working hard for the Veterans every day is quite humbling.”
The Radiologist of the Year ICC award was one of six employee awards given to personnel this year who have exemplified excellence in their service and care to Veterans. In addition, an Administrative Officer/Personnel of the Year, two MSAs of the Year, PACS Administrator of the Year, and Technologist of the Year awards were also presented to employees on Nov. 9.
“As a VISN 22 Imaging Integrated Clinical Community, we assist and oversee all eight Radiology sites with VISN procurement of AI software, orders management, etc. and we work with the National Radiology Program office,” said Christina Davidson, health system specialist for the VISN 22 Network Office. “Dr. Malik is the new VISN Clinical Lead for the Imaging ICC, and we thought it was a great idea to elevate our Radiology employees and recognize the great work they do.”
Dr. Igel is the chief of radiology for the Phoenix VA and recently took on the role as the acting chief of radiology for the Northern Arizona VA. Some of his most notable accomplishments include working to establish Phoenix VA’s new radiology residency program, in partnership with the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and Banner Health. He also guided the Phoenix Radiology Department in an expansion of services with the opening of an imaging suite at the new Phoenix 32nd Street VA Clinic and the hospital ED expansion which included CT, Ultrasound, and X-ray. Dr. Igel was also the driving force behind the development and implementation of shared radiologist services between the Phoenix and Prescott facilities via teleradiology, which has laid the foundation for VISN-wide implementation.
Imaging Program Administrator Derek Lee said, “Dr. Igel would be the first person to tell you he did not do any of these projects on his own, but without his vision, guidance, support, and dedication, it would not have been possible; He is well regarded within the VISN 22 imaging community, and he is regularly contacted by other facilities and imaging chiefs for his counsel. It is a pleasure to work with him.”
“Dr. Igel has been the radiology service chief for several years. He has been fabulous to work for - very Veteran and staff focused. He really cares about his team and is always here for us. We couldn't ask for better,” said Christine Crawford, radiology chief technologist for Phoenix VA Health Care System.
VISN 22 includes medical centers and clinics in Arizona, Southern California and New Mexico and the VA Desert Pacific Network is the second busiest in the nation for Radiology and Imaging Services, said Dr. Igel. “The breadth and complexity of imaging studies offered, and the talent of the staff in the VISN 22 radiology departments are truly among the best in the VA system; I am proud to be associated with this group that is so dedicated to providing excellent and timely care to our Veterans.”