Kassa Darge

Kassa Darge, MD, PhD, DTM&P, FSAR, FESUR, is Chair of the Department of Radiology and Radiologist-in-Chief at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He is a Professor of Radiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the William L. Van Alen Endowed Chair in Pediatric Radiology. He also serves as an Honorary Professor of Radiology at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, reflecting his deep commitment to global health education and outreach.

Dr. Darge earned his medical degree from Addis Ababa University and the University of Heidelberg, completed radiology residency and pediatric radiology fellowship at Heidelberg, and conducted research with the World Health Organization in tropical medicine. His career spans leadership roles in Germany and the U.S., including serving as Chair of Pediatric Radiology at the University of Wuerzburg before joining CHOP.

His research focuses on advanced body imaging, particularly in magnetic resonance and ultrasound modalities. Key areas include functional MR urography (fMRU), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and innovative pediatric imaging techniques that reduce radiation exposure. He has published over 200 papers and led numerous educational initiatives.

Dr. Darge’s recent publications emphasize non-invasive, radiation-free imaging solutions for pediatric conditions such as ARPKD, inflammatory bowel disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, and urinary tract disorders. His work integrates technical innovation with clinical applicability, advancing global standards in pediatric radiology.

• 2016 RSNA Honored Educator Award
• 2011 CHOP Mentor Award
• 2008 Schinz Medal, Swiss Radiological Society
• Multiple educational and research awards from RSNA, SPR, SAR, and ESUR
• Fellow of SAR, ESUR, and other leading radiology societies

Dr. Darge has mentored dozens of trainees and established the CHOP Radiology International Education Outreach pediatric radiology fellowship in Ethiopia. He leads a mentoring program for junior faculty and has secured multiple grants to support research and global outreach. His leadership extends to editorial roles in journals like Pediatric Radiology and European Radiology, and active participation in societies including SPR, RSNA, and WFPI.

He is involved in key institutional initiatives such as the Global Health Center, FUSED Program for Ultrasound, and Pediatric Kidney Stone Center at CHOP, driving innovation in clinical care, education, and global health equity.