Medical Physicists In the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Applications In MR Imaging Clinical Practice
Abstract
Purpose
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into clinical magnetic resonance imaging workflows, creating new opportunities and responsibilities for medical physicists. This program is designed to prepare medical physicists to effectively evaluate, implement, and oversee AI technologies in MR imaging.
Methods
This session will provide practical, education-focused guidance on AI applications in MR imaging from the medical physicist's perspective. Topics include educating technologists on AI-assisted protocol execution, remote scan optimization, and workflow standardization; instructing radiologists on AI-enabled protocol selection and customization; applying AI tools for automated implant identification and systematic MR safety assessment; and using AI-based reconstruction and acceleration methods to reduce scan time while preserving or improving diagnostic image quality. The program will also address the physicist's role in identifying AI-specific image artifacts, differentiating them from conventional MR artifacts, and developing comprehensive AI quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) programs. Real-world clinical case studies and multidisciplinary educational workflows will be presented.
Results
Clinical implementation of AI-guided MR workflows resulted in improved operational efficiency and enhanced image quality. Scan times were reduced by more than 20% while maintaining or improving diagnostic confidence. AI-assisted reconstructions introduced novel image features and artifacts, which were systematically identified and characterized by medical physicists, enabling clear differentiation between AI-related artifacts and traditional MR artifacts. In addition, medical physicists developed and implemented structured AI QA/QC programs to monitor performance, consistency, and safety of AI tools in routine clinical use.
Conclusion
Medical physicists play a central education/leadership role in the integration of AI into MR clinical practice. By evaluating AI performance, managing AI-specific artifacts, and establishing robust QA/QC frameworks, physicists ensure that AI adoption leads to meaningful improvements in efficiency, image quality, and patient care. This education program equips medical physicists with the knowledge and tools needed to safely and effectively lead AI implementation in modern MR imaging.