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Faculty Focus: Bruno Policeni, MD, MBA

Date: Friday, January 17, 2020

Bruno PoliceniWhat is your hometown?

Juiz de Fora, Brazil

How/when did you become interested in science and/or medicine?

In high school, through physics and biology classes.

When did you join the University of Iowa faculty?

2006

How or why did you choose to join the faculty at the University of Iowa?

The University of Iowa has a world-renowned reputation in neuroscience and head and neck radiology programs. I was fortunate to complete my neuroradiology fellowship training here, which allowed me the opportunity to then join the faculty.

Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shape your career?

I have had many mentors who have helped shape different aspects of my professional development. Dr. Wendy Smoker was the director of the neuroradiology fellowship program when I came to the University of Iowa and she had a critical impact on my early development as an educator.

How do you see your faculty role impacting medicine and/or science?

I see my role as a clinical educator impacting on many levels. I facilitate small groups discussions for the first-year medical students, serve as a director of the radiology residency program, neuroradiology fellowship program and vice chair of education for the radiology department. These opportunities allowed me to integrate education on multiple levels as students progress in their training.

What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?

The most fascinating aspects of medicine and science have been the rapid changes. As a neuroradiologist, it is remarkable the number of pathologies that we are now able to diagnose with noninvasive modalities (MRI, MRA, CT, CTA, PET) without subjecting patients to unnecessary risks of invasive procedures, unless absolutely necessary. The addition of functional MR now enables us to map language and motor function in the brain before neurosurgery to avoid untoward complications.

What one piece of advice would you give to today's students?

As your career progresses, you will have challenges with opportunities for growth. Take advantages of them; These are priceless and, when you have moments in which you are second-guessing your decisions, remember where you started and how much you have accomplished. Don’t be afraid of changes.

In what ways are you engaged in professional activities outside the University (i.e. population-based research, mentoring high school students, sharing your leadership/ expertise with organizations or causes, speaking engagement off campus, etc.)?

I am actively engaged in outreach teaching and have lectured both nationally and internationally. I chair a committee for the American Society of Neuroradiology that selects professors to teach in several countries worldwide. As chair of one of the American College of Radiology committees, I am involved in the development of guidelines to assist providers in selecting the best imaging modality to investigate certain clinical conditions.

What are some of your outside (personal) interests?

I enjoy biking with my family and getting to know new people and cultures when I travel.

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