About

Biography

Cherie Kuzmiak, DO, FACR, FSBI is a Professor of Radiology at UNC in Chapel Hill. She completed her medical degree at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Science in Des Moines, IA. She then completed her Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Canton, OH, and her Breast Fellowship training at Susan G. Komen Breast Center in Peoria, IL. Dr. Kuzmiak chose to become a doctor because she enjoyed helping people. Due to her personal experiences growing up, she had wonderful doctors to look up to. She ultimately chose a path to Radiology because she was fascinated with the imaging appearances of different diseases and pathology.

Dr. Kuzmiak has been with UNC Radiology since 1999. The recipient of numerous honors, her research interests include the interpretation and diagnostic analysis of digital mammograms, digital breast tomosynthesis, magnetic resonance imaging of the breast, automated whole breast ultrasound, artificial intelligence and breast cancer genomics. Dr. Kuzmiak is the editor and co-author of several text books. In addition, she co-authored the landmark book Digital Mammography with Drs. Etta Pisano and Martin Yaffe. Dr. Kuzmiak has also published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Kuzmiak is a member of the American College of Radiology, the America Roentgen Ray Society, the Associate of University Radiologists, the Association for Women Radiologists, and the Society of Breast Imaging. In addition, she is a fellow of the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging.

Dr. Kuzmiak is the Site Principle Investigator of the EA1151 ECOG-ACRIN Tomosynthesis Mammography Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). The primary objective of this study is to compare the proportions of participants in the Tomosynthesis (TM) and Digital Mammography (DM) study arms experiencing the occurrence of an “advanced” breast cancer at any time during a period of 4.5 years from randomization, including the period of active screening and a period of clinical follow-up after the last screen (T4).

Dr. Kuzmiak is a Member of the Breast Imaging Subcommittee/Annual Meeting Program Planning Committee, Radiology Society of North American. The 6-member Breast Subcommittee is responsible for the Breast Course Program (educational courses, education exhibits, scientific papers and posters) for the annual RSNA meeting. The RNSA meeting is the largest radiology conference in North America. In addition, she is on the Expert Panel of the American College of Radiology Committee on Appropriateness Criteria Breast Imaging. The purpose of this expert panel is to develop evidence-based guidelines to assist referring physicians and other providers in making the most appropriate imaging or treatment decision for breast imaging. These guidelines helps providers enhance quality of care and contribute to the most efficacious use of radiology. Dr. Kuzmiak is also a Faculty Member for the American College of Radiology Institute for Radiologic Pathology, Breast Imaging Section. The mission of the ACR Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP) is to advance the science of radiology for radiology residents, fellows, practicing radiologists and other physicians through a pathophysiologic understanding of disease as the basis for radiologic interpretation.

Expertise

Board-certified diagnostic radiologist.

Specialty

Breast imaging.

Research

Dr. Kuzmiak’s research interests include breast cancer genomics, digital breast tomosynthesis, MRI and artificial intelligence/machine learning. She hopes her research will improve patient care, and find breast cancers at an earlier and more treatable state. Eventually leading to better and more personalized healthcare.

Philosophy of Care

Patient-Centered Care – The patient comes first in their medical needs and treatment.

Honors and Awards

2017    Radiological Society of North America Special Exhibit, French Society of Radiology meeting

2017    Leadership Development Invitation, UNC-CH Faculty Leadership Initiative

2016    Magna Cum Laude Award, Radiological Society of North America

2015    Fellow, American College of Radiology

2013    Merit Award, Radiological Society of North America

2011    Fellow, Society of Breast Imaging

2002    UNC Medical School Teaching Award, UNC Medical School, Chapel Hill, NC

2000    Merit Award, American Roentgen Ray Society