The Department of Radiology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University has a storied history and a remarkable legacy of excellence. Established in 1957 by professors QI Jingwu and ZHANG Kesui, who relocated from Zhongshan Hospital and Huashan Hospital of Shanghai Medical College (now part of Fudan University), the department has grown into a cornerstone of medical imaging in Chongqing.
Over the past 68 years, through the relentless efforts of several generations, the department has evolved into a key medical imaging discipline in Chongqing. It now boasts a well-structured team, advanced equipment, standardized management, robust technical expertise, top-tier diagnostic and treatment capabilities, distinctive professional features, and extensive regional influence. With a rich academic culture, the department integrates medical care, teaching, and research into a cohesive unit.
Under the leadership of Professor LÜ Fajin and the dedication of the entire team, the department has embraced reform and innovation, achieving significant milestones in various areas, including discipline construction, clinical operations, teaching, research, and regional influence. By the end of 2024, it has achieved groundbreaking and leapfrog advancements in discipline construction, service capabilities, clinical operations, teaching, research, and regional influence, earning a series of accolades and honors. Notably, it has ranked second for nine consecutive years in the Fudan University Southwest China Radiology Reputation Ranking, solidifying its leading position and widespread impact in the region.
The Department of Radiology at CQMUFAH not only excels in its specialized fields and extensive outreach but also emphasizes the cultivation of academic culture, forming a comprehensive development model that integrates medical care, teaching, and research. Its continuous progress and outstanding achievements have made significant contributions to the field of medical imaging in Chongqing and the broader Southwest China region.
The department is accredited to offer doctoral and master's degree programs in Imaging Medicine and Nuclear Medicine, as well as a master's degree program in Medical Technology. It encompasses the Department and Teaching and Research Office of Imaging Medicine and Nuclear Medicine, along with the Teaching and Research Office of Radiology Diagnosis. Recognized as a National Clinical Key Specialty, the department is also designated as a National Radiology Residency Training Base, a competition base for the National Medical Imaging Technology Professional College Student Practical Skills Contest, a development base for competency assessment questions for medical equipment users, and a training base for clinical practice skills in medical imaging technology. Furthermore, it serves as a training base for the Contrast Agent Application Standards of the Radiology Physician Subcommittee of the Chinese Medical Association, the Chongqing Radiology Diagnosis Center, a residency training base for imaging specialists in Chongqing, and a key discipline construction unit under the Chongqing "12th Five-Year Plan." Additionally, it holds the position of chairman unit of the Southwest Radiology Specialty Alliance.
Currently, the department employs a total of 214 staff members, including 8 residents undergoing standardized training and 30 radiology technicians in training. The team is composed of 70 physicians, 83 technicians, 44 nursing staff, 2 engineering technicians, 2 natural science researchers, 10 clerical staff, and 3 administrative personnel. Among the physicians, 11 hold senior professional titles, and 11 have associate senior titles, with 9 having gained overseas study experience. Within the technical team, 5 members possess associate senior titles, and 18 hold intermediate titles. In terms of academic qualifications, the department boasts 39 individuals with doctoral degrees, 66 with master’s degrees, and 86 with bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, 49.2% of the physicians hold doctoral degrees, while 39.2% of the technical team have master’s degrees or higher. Additionally, the department includes 4 PhD supervisors and 15 master’s supervisors. Its medical and technical personnel hold 15 academic positions in national academic societies and associations, with 2 recognized as academic and technical leaders in Chongqing and 18 holding academic roles in local societies and associations. Notably, 5% of the staff have acquired overseas study experience. The department’s workforce continues to expand in both size and expertise, resulting in an increasingly rational and well-structured organization.
The department operates under a “1+4” model, encompassing the Yuanjiagang Campus, Jingwei Campus, Jinshan Campus, Qinggang Elderly Care Center, and the Radiology Telemedicine Consultation Center. It is equipped with a comprehensive array of advanced diagnostic imaging equipment, including 16 CT scanners such as the GE Revolution APEX CT, Canon 640-slice Praseodymium CT, Siemens’ latest dual-source SOMATOM Force CT, Philips IQon CT, and Neusoft 128-slice mobile CT. The department also boasts 6 units of 3.0T MRI (featuring GE Premier, Pioneer, 750W, United Imaging uMR790, Siemens Skyra, and Philips Ingenia) and 6 units of 1.5T MRI systems. Additionally, it houses 1 DSA hybrid operating room, 12 large flat-panel DSA machines, 3 multi-functional flat-panel machines, 2 ERCP machines, 1 breast CBCT, 1 dental CBCT, 1 mobile CT, 3 flat-panel mammography machines, 12 DR units, and 1 HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) system. In 2010, the hospital implemented a fully integrated PACS, RIS, and telemedicine consultation system, achieving institution-wide network connectivity and extending remote diagnosis and consultation services across Chongqing, thereby establishing a robust imaging and information platform. In 2018, under the leadership of the department, the Southwest Radiology Specialty Alliance was officially launched, initially comprising 152 member units from Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Chongqing, Tibet, and Xinjiang. By December 2024, the alliance had expanded to 159 members, including 1 chairperson unit, 27 vice-chairperson units, 60 council units, and 107 member units, alongside 20 remote collaboration hospitals.
The department’s research capabilities have shown consistent growth and development. To date, it has secured 11 national-level research projects, 42 provincial and ministerial-level projects, and 9 department-level initiatives. The department maintains a strong academic output, consistently publishing over 50 SCI-indexed and core Chinese journal papers annually. It has also been recognized with 3 provincial and ministerial-level scientific achievement awards and holds 35 national patents. In the realm of education and training, the department has been approved for one national advanced training program and has successfully obtained multiple city-level and university-level teaching achievement projects. Additionally, it has been granted numerous city-level, university-level, and hospital-level educational reform initiatives. The department has actively contributed to academic literature, participating in the compilation of 53 academic monographs and textbooks.
Medical Imaging Services Provided:
The department provides comprehensive 24-hour, 7-day emergency imaging services, including X-ray examinations and bedside emergency X-ray imaging. Additionally, it offers emergency CT imaging services, encompassing plain scans, enhanced scans, and one-stop stroke imaging (combining CTA and CTP). Emergency MRI examinations are also available to ensure timely and accurate diagnostic support for critical cases.
The department offers routine X-ray imaging for all body parts, including specialized services such as mammography and oral imaging. Additionally, it provides a wide range of contrast studies, encompassing gastrointestinal imaging, T-tube cholangiography, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), and intravenous pyelography (IVP), ensuring comprehensive diagnostic capabilities for diverse clinical needs.
The department provides comprehensive full-body CT imaging services, including both plain and enhanced scan protocols. Advanced imaging options such as CT angiography (CTA), CT urography (CTU), coronary CT imaging, and spectral imaging are also available. Additionally, the department offers sophisticated image post-processing techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy and support detailed clinical evaluation.
The department offers extensive full-body MRI examinations, encompassing both plain and enhanced imaging protocols. Advanced MRI services include magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance neurography (MRN), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), and MR water imaging techniques such as MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), urological imaging, inner ear imaging, and salivary gland imaging. Additionally, the department provides a variety of functional MRI (fMRI) imaging options to support advanced diagnostic and clinical research needs.
The department performs CT-guided biopsy and localization procedures, utilizing advanced imaging technology to ensure precision and accuracy.
The department offers advanced DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography) imaging technologies, including coronary, cerebral, and peripheral vascular imaging. In addition to diagnostic capabilities, the department provides comprehensive radiological interventional treatments for both vascular and non-vascular conditions.
Both in-house and external medical imaging consultation services
Key Technologies:
CT Coronary Artery Examination Technology
DSA Three-dimensional Interventional Navigation Technology
Mammography DR and 3D Stereotactic Localization Biopsy Technology
MRI Joint Imaging Technology
Central Demyelinating Disease Imaging Technology
Stroke One-stop Imaging Technology
CT-guided Biopsy and Localization Procedures