Zhen Jane Wang

Dr. Zhen Jane Wang is a Professor in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She serves as Division Chief of Abdominal Imaging and Associate Director for the T32 Clinician Scientist Training Program. Additionally, she holds the position of Associate Chair for Strategic Planning in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, demonstrating leadership in both clinical and academic domains.

Education

• M.D., 2002 - School of Medicine, Northwestern University
• Residency: University of California, San Francisco - Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Fellowship: University of California, San Francisco - Radiology and Medical Imaging, Abdominal Imaging
• Chief Resident, Department of Radiology, UCSF Medical Center, 2006-2007

Research Focus

Dr. Wang's research program centers on the development and clinical translation of novel imaging techniques, with particular emphasis on hyperpolarized 13C MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) for assessing renal tumor aggressiveness and diffuse renal disease. Her work bridges advanced imaging technology with clinical applications in abdominal oncology, focusing on metabolic imaging approaches that provide insights into tumor biology beyond conventional anatomical imaging. She has pioneered the application of hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI for real-time assessment of tumor metabolism in renal and pancreatic cancers, enabling non-invasive evaluation of treatment response. Her research integrates quantitative imaging methods with clinical oncology to develop imaging biomarkers that can guide personalized treatment decisions.

Publication Trends

Dr. Wang's recent publication record demonstrates a strong trajectory in advanced metabolic imaging techniques, particularly hyperpolarized 13C MRI applications in renal and pancreatic malignancies. Her work spans technical development of imaging methodologies, clinical validation studies, and consensus guideline development through professional societies. A significant portion of her recent publications involves multi-institutional collaborations focused on standardizing imaging approaches for renal masses and pancreatic cancer, reflecting her leadership in establishing evidence-based practices in abdominal imaging.

Scientific Recognition

• Distinguished Investigator Award, Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research, 2019
• Roscoe E. Miller Best Paper Award, Society of Abdominal Radiology, 2018
• Fellow of Society of Abdominal Radiology, 2014
• Morton Bosniak Research Award, Society of Abdominal Radiology, 2013
• RSNA Scholar Award, Radiological Society of North America, 2010-2012

Academic Leadership

As Associate Director for the T32 Clinician Scientist Training Program, Dr. Wang plays a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists in radiology. Her leadership extends to national professional societies where she has contributed to multiple consensus guidelines and lexicons for abdominal imaging. She has been invited to lecture at major radiology societies including the Society of Abdominal Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society, Radiological Society of North America, and international conferences across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, reflecting her standing as a thought leader in abdominal imaging.

Research Infrastructure

Dr. Wang leads the Abdominal Imaging Research Group at UCSF, which maintains strong collaborations with the Body Advanced Imaging Technologies group and Chemistry, Probes & Molecular Imaging teams. Her research program integrates expertise from multiple disciplines including radiology, oncology, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering to advance metabolic imaging techniques from bench to bedside. Her laboratory focuses on developing and validating imaging biomarkers that can be readily implemented in clinical practice to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.