Leaders on the Horizon: A Glimpse into Radiology’s Future

In this issue of Applied Radiology, we are proud to share the work of our Leaders on the Horizon award winners. First launched in 2001, this program celebrates the scholarship of radiology residents from around the world. Each year, Leaders on the Horizon reminds us how fortunate we are to welcome new voices into our specialty—voices that reinvigorate us with their fresh ideas, curiosity, and sense of purpose.

This year’s winning manuscripts reflect both innovation and insight, demonstrating not only technical advances but also a thoughtful understanding of radiology’s evolving role in clinical practice. As a group, the 2025 winners show how emerging leaders are advancing precision medicine while maintaining a strong commitment to value-based care, safety, and the patient experience.

In the research category, Daniel Veyg, DO, presents evidence that geniculate artery embolization can provide meaningful pain relief for cancer patients with severe knee osteoarthritis, offering a minimally invasive option for individuals who are not candidates for surgery. Meemansa Jindal, MBBS, advances our understanding of spinal tuberculosis by demonstrating that diffusion tensor imaging and tractography detect microstructural spinal cord changes that correlate with neurologic impairment—information that may allow earlier or more targeted intervention. Ian Rumball, MD, examines the impact of evolving hematuria risk-stratification guidelines on the diagnostic yield of CT urography, raising important considerations around high-value imaging and responsible resource use.

The review article winners further underscore the importance of quality, value, and patient-centered practice in everyday radiology. Meagan Bechel, MD, PhD, offers a well-structured pictorial review that clarifies the complex differential diagnosis of glioneuronal tumors and provides practical guidance for radiologists. Paula Elena Hernández Quiroz, MD, presents a systematic US approach for evaluating arteriovenous fistula complications in the emergency setting, emphasizing rapid, safe imaging that supports timely clinical decision-making and enhances the patient experience. Luis Lorenzo Chan, MD, contributes a comprehensive meta-analysis showing that artificial intelligence- and radiomics-based models hold significant promise for predicting chemotherapy response in colorectal liver metastases.

As I reflect on the work of these six residents, I am reminded of why this program matters. It shows us where radiology is going and introduces us to the thoughtful and collaborative leaders who will shape its progression through their ingenuity, discipline, and genuine commitment to improving care. Our field is in very good hands.