Rasha Makkia

Rasha Makkia is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Her academic appointment integrates clinical medical physics, education, and research in diagnostic imaging and radiation safety.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Physics, East Carolina University, 2019
• M.S. in Medical Physics, East Carolina University, 2019
• M.S. in Physics, Al-Nahrain University, 2006

Her research focuses on reducing patient radiation exposure while optimizing image quality across diagnostic modalities, with particular emphasis on fluoroscopy and interventional radiology. She is also exploring the application of 3D computational modeling derived from CT and MR imaging to enhance radiological diagnostics and treatment planning. Her teaching involves delivering didactic physics lectures to radiology residents on mammography, fluoroscopy, CT, radiation biology, ultrasound, and medical imaging informatics.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in clinical and translational research on radiation dose quantification, risk assessment, and quality assurance, particularly in prostatic artery embolization and fluoroscopy safety. These works reflect her commitment to evidence-based medical physics and patient safety.

Scientific Awards:

• MedPhy Best Oral Presentation Award, AAPM Connecticut Chapter, 2023
• MedPhy SLAM Competition Award, AAPM Connecticut Chapter, 2022
• Early Career Investigator Travel Award, Radiation Research Society, 2021
• THCAS Award, East Carolina University-UNC, 2019 and 2018

Dr. Makkia has been actively involved in advancing medical physics education and clinical protocols. She recently implemented a novel physics-based ultrasound testing program and contributes to resident education in radiological physics. Though no specific grants are mentioned, her multi-center studies suggest collaborative research funding and institutional support. She completed her CAMPEP residency at Yale University and prior training at UC-Irvine, and served as a visiting faculty member at the University of Mary Washington, indicating a growing national presence in academic medical physics.