Former EIC Reflects on a Legacy of Practical Education and Collaboration in Medical Imaging

For more than five decades, Applied Radiology has served as a trusted resource across medical imaging. Recently, Applied Radiology Group Publisher Kieran Anderson sat down with Erin Simon Schwartz, MD, pediatric neuroradiologist and Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and former Editor-in-Chief of Applied Radiology, to reflect on her longstanding relationship with the journal and her recent tenure as Editor-in-Chief.

Dr. Schwartz’s involvement with Applied Radiology began early in her career, when she was introduced to the publication through the mentorship of a former editor-in-chief during her residency training. That introduction led to service on the editorial advisory board and, over time, to deeper engagement with the journal’s mission and leadership. She spoke about the consistency of leadership and the personal commitment behind the publication, noting that the journal’s family-run structure created a sense of closeness and continuity. That environment, she said, fostered trust and a shared sense of purpose, which motivated her to expand her role and eventually step into the Editor-in-Chief position.

A Journal Defined by Practical Value

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Schwartz emphasized the distinctive role Applied Radiology plays within the radiology publishing landscape. Rather than focusing primarily on cutting-edge science, the journal has consistently prioritized practical, immediately applicable content, an approach she believes is increasingly important as radiologists face rising volumes, workforce shortages, and growing clinical complexity.

Practicing radiologists, she noted, need a trusted source they can turn to quickly to understand how to approach a specific imaging finding, adopt a new technique, or navigate leadership and professional challenges. Applied Radiology addresses both the interpretive and non-interpretive aspects of practice, offering content that spans clinical imaging, leadership development, time management, physician well-being, and sustainability. This breadth, she said, allows the journal to remain relevant not only to radiologists but also to trainees, technologists, administrators, and others involved in medical imaging.

Key Accomplishments During Editorial Leadership

Reflecting on her tenure as Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Schwartz identified several milestones that she believes strengthened the journal and positioned it for long-term success. Among the most meaningful was increased engagement with trainees. Under her leadership, Applied Radiology established an early-career radiologist section, added residents and fellows to the editorial advisory board, and launched a column dedicated to the specific needs and perspectives of radiologists in training.

She also highlighted the Leaders on the Horizon Residents Program as a particularly rewarding initiative. Developed with support through an unrestricted educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, the program is designed to identify and cultivate young radiology residents, reinforcing the journal’s commitment to mentorship and professional development.

Another major achievement was the journal’s transition to a fully digital publication. While complex and time-intensive, the shift incorporated  a double-blinded peer review process, implementation of a scholarly submission portal, and the assignment of digital object identifiers (DOIs) to all published articles and case reports.  Dr. Schwartz noted that these changes enhance academic rigor while also benefiting the authors.

How Medical Publishing Is Evolving

Looking ahead, Dr. Schwartz shared her perspective on how medical publishing must continue to evolve to meet the needs of a busy clinical workforce. With limited time and increasing demands, radiologists benefit most from concise, high-value educational content that can be applied immediately in practice. She sees Applied Radiology’s longstanding commitment to the practical side of medical imaging of particular value here.

She also pointed to opportunities to expand content in areas such as medical physics, especially as technologies like photon-counting CT move into broader clinical use. Providing practical physics guidance that is distilled down, accessible, and clinically relevant will be essential for helping radiologists optimize new technologies in daily practice.

Video and multimedia content are also expected to play an increasingly important role in the journal. By expanding its digital and video presence, including on platforms such as YouTube, Applied Radiology can deliver educational content in accessible, easily digestible formats that complement traditional articles, webinars, and other established offerings.

Serving the Broader Imaging Team

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was inclusivity. Dr. Schwartz emphasized that Applied Radiology serves the entire imaging care team, not just radiologists. Technologists, administrators, and other imaging professionals are often the first point of contact for patients and play a critical role in delivering safe, effective care.

Ensuring that these professionals have access to evidence-based information, whether related to imaging physics, contrast safety, or patient communication, strengthens the entire imaging ecosystem. As hybrid and teleradiology models continue to expand, that shared foundation of knowledge becomes even more important.

A Continuing Commitment

As the editorial leadership transitions, Dr. Schwartz expressed confidence in the journal’s direction and gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Her reflections underscored a central theme of the conversation: Applied Radiology’s success has been rooted in consistency, practicality, and genuine collaboration with the imaging community.