The second form of guidance concerns the role of AI in steering imaging technology to support medical interventions, with a focus on MRI imaging. AI can, for example, automatically control MRI to more quickly track an instrument, such as during a biopsy. This creates treatment both quicker and more precise.
Henkjan Huisman considers it crucial that his research has societal value. ‘The ultimate goal of my team and myself is to improve patient care—preferably in the short term. We utilize proven methods such as the NWO Impact Pathway and Working Backwards to ensure that all our research contributes to society.’
Looking ahead, Huisman foresees large-scale modifys in healthcare due to AI. ‘Even with my 35 years of experience in medical AI research, it’s a challenge to keep up with current developments in the field. By mid-2025, the best AI already matches expert-level performance in many medical domains. The potential consequences are significant. I believe healthcare is not yet prepared for patients shifting from the mediocre advice of Dr. Google to the often excellent advice of Dr. ChatGPT.’ According to Huisman, both evaluation and oversight of AI are essential, but better organization is necessaryed.
Career
Henkjan Huisman studied Electrical Engineering in Delft, specializing in medical imaging. After graduating, he joined the Radiology Department at Radboudumc, where he has worked ever since. In 1998, he earned his PhD with research on analyzing liver tumor tissue utilizing ultrasound (dissertation title: In vivo ultrasonic tissue characterization of liver metastases). In addition to his career at Radboudumc, Huisman has held positions at various academic institutions and companies both nationally and internationally. From 2004 to 2010, he was a consultant at the American company U-Systems. From 2021 to 2024, he worked as Professor of Medical Imaging AI at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Huisman is also a member of the AAPM Computer-Aided Diagnosis Steering Committee and Tinquireforce 273 on CAD Assessment, Quality Assurance and Training Papers. He also participates in the PI-RADS guideline committee of the ACR on prostate MRI AI.
Source: Radboud University
