Christopher P. Hess, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor and Chairman

Alexander Margulis Distinguished Professor

Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging

University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Hess completed undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering at the University of Illinois, focusing in graduate school on magnetic resonance signal analysis and image processing, working in the laboratory of Drs. Paul C. Lauterbur and Zhi-Pei Liang. He went on to medical school at the same institution, followed by residency and fellowship in Neuroradiology at the University of California, San Francisco. During his clinical training, his research focus shifted from theory to clinical translation, especially for the evaluation and treatment of neurologic illness. His clinical interests have evolved over time and have included dementia, epilepsy, neuro-oncology, and neurovascular disease. His research has been centered on high-field and diffusion MRI, innovation in MRI, artificial intelligence, structural connectivity, and computational neuroimaging techniques. He has published more than 200 papers in clinical and scientific journals, mentored more than 30 individuals who have gone on to both academic and private practice, and lectured nationally and internationally in these areas.

Dr. Hess’ impact as a physician investigator has been recognized by his appointment as a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering, the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, and the American Society of Functional Neuroradiology and a Distinguished Investigator of the Academy of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research. He also serves in leadership roles for the Radiological Society of North America, the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, the American Society of Neuroradiology, and other societies, and as a regular panel member for NIH study sections.