Christine B. Chung, MD

Professor and Chair, Department of Radiology, UC San Diego School of Medicine

Director, Musculoskeletal Imaging Research Group

Christine B. Chung, MD, is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal imaging. As Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiology at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, she leads clinical and research efforts across a broad network, including Hillcrest Medical Center, Jacobs Medical Center, the McGrath and Komen Outpatient Pavilions, East Campus Medical Center, and the university’s recent partnership with El Centro Regional Medical Center.

Research and Scholarly Contributions

A renowned clinical translational researcher, Dr. Chung serves as the Director of UCSD’s Musculoskeletal Imaging Research Group. Her work is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration with world-class physicists, pathologists, orthopedic surgeons, and bioengineers. Her research focuses on cartilage imaging and tissue characterization with magnetic resonance imaging, and her lab is internationally recognized for biomarker validation using histologic and material property reference standards.

Her extensive academic portfolio includes:

• Over 200 peer-reviewed publications.

• The editorship of three textbooks in musculoskeletal radiology.

• Research support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Veterans Affairs (VA).

Leadership and Global Impact

Dr. Chung is a trailblazer in the international radiology community. She recently served as the President of the International Skeletal Society (ISS), becoming only the second woman to lead the organization in its 50-year history. She holds leadership roles in major societies, including the ISMRM, RSNA, and ARRS, and has served as an examiner for the American Board of Radiology. She is a Fellow of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) and an active member of the American College of Radiology and the American Association for Women Radiologists.

Awards and Recognition

Her contributions to the field have earned her numerous prestigious honors, including:

• The President’s Medal from the International Skeletal Society.

• The Distinguished Investigator Award from the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research.

• Multiple international awards for excellence in teaching and mentorship.

Education and Mentorship

Beyond her research, Dr. Chung is a dedicated educator who has developed department-wide mentorship and career advancement programs. She completed her diagnostic radiology residency at The Ohio State University and earned her medical degree from the University of Iowa.

https://profiles.ucsd.edu/christine.chung