Medical student publishes research in radiology journal

Brandon Schonour

Brandon Schonour, a fourth-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, has published findings from his research project in Radiology Advances, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). 

Working under the mentorship of Jae Ho Sohn, M.D., a cardiothoracic radiologist and assistant professor of radiology at the University of California, San Francisco, Schonour examined factors that influence image quality in free-breathing, respiratory-triggered lung MRI performed at 0.55 tesla. The project aimed to better understand why image quality can vary significantly between patients and imaging sessions.

Using a large clinical dataset, the study analyzed respiratory parameters, patient body habitus, and scan-related factors to identify contributors to image degradation under real-world imaging conditions. Because lung MRI is especially sensitive to motion and low signal, the work focused on practical clinical challenges rather than idealized imaging scenarios. 

“Being the first author taught me how much effort goes into transforming raw imaging data into a clear scientific story,” Schonour said. “Every figure, table and sentence had to directly support the question we were asking.”

The findings showed that respiratory irregularity and patient-specific factors play a significant role in pulmonary MRI image quality, underscoring the importance of optimized acquisition strategies as low-field MRI becomes more widely used in thoracic imaging.

Schonour said the experience also offered valuable perspective beyond the technical aspects of imaging. “Going through peer review showed me how constructive feedback can ultimately strengthen both the science and its clinical relevance,” he said.

RSNA is one of the world’s leading professional organizations in medical imaging. Reflecting the wide breadth of imaging sciences and innovations in technology and clinical practice, Radiology Advances primarily publishes original multidisciplinary research articles with a focus on emerging topics, cross-cutting and innovative research.

View the full manuscript in Radiology Advances.