New Medical Physics Division Welcomes Inaugural Director
Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Radiology welcomes Izabella Barreto, PhD, MBA, DABR, DABSNM as the inaugural chief of the new Division of Medical Physics, effective January 1, 2026.
Dr. Barreto brings expertise in diagnostic medical physics, with a focus on imaging technology oversight, quality assurance, protocol optimization, radiation safety, and quality improvement across large academic health systems. She is board-certified in diagnostic medical physics by both the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and the American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine (ABSNM).
“The creation of the Division of Medical Physics marks an important milestone for Emory Radiology as we continue to invest in the programs, leadership, and expertise required to support high-quality imaging care and innovation across Georgia’s largest academic health system," says Amit Saindane, William P. Timmie Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences.
“Across all facets of her work, Dr. Barretto is driven by a commitment to patient‑centered, high‑value imaging care, systems‑level innovation, global collaboration, and the cultivation of future leaders in medical physics. We are thrilled she has joined the Emory Radiology team and look forward to her leadership of this next phase of growth in medical physics.”
In her new role, Dr. Barreto will oversee the Division of Medical Physics as its faculty and clinical staff deliver high-level physics oversight across Emory Radiology’s extensive clinical operations, research initiatives, and educational training. Working closely with radiologists, technologists, trainees, and administrative partners, Dr. Barreto will emphasize translating novel imaging technologies into consistent, patient-centered imaging practices while supporting clinical efficiency.
“I am honored to join Emory Radiology as the inaugural division chief of Medical Physics,” said Dr. Barreto. “The creation of this division reflects the department’s commitment to formally establishing medical physics as a key component of its already strong imaging enterprise. The division brings together a talented team of medical physicists whose expertise and dedication will be central to its growth and impact. We look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the department to integrate physics into clinical operations, build sustainable systems for continuous improvement, expand education programs, and support research that drives innovation in imaging.”
Prior to joining Emory, Dr. Barreto served on the radiology faculty at the University of Florida rising to the rank of clinical associate professor. She has contributed to multidisciplinary clinical research and is deeply committed to education and mentorship, having directed graduate-level coursework and training programs.
Dr. Barreto additionally is recognized for her contributions to global health initiatives focused on strengthening diagnostic imaging capacity in low‑ and middle‑income countries. Through international collaborations, infrastructure assessments, and invited academic engagements, she has helped advance equitable access to safe, high‑quality imaging and championed sustainable, systems‑based approaches to imaging quality and safety worldwide.