Hansel J. Otero, MD

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Hansel J. Otero, MD, is an attending radiologist and vice-chair of clinical research with the Department of Radiology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Locations: Main Hospital
Appointments and Referrals: 1-800-TRY-CHOP (1-800-879-2467)

Background

Dr. Hansel Otero is the Director of International Pediatric Radiology Education and Outreach in the Department of Radiology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He joined CHOP Radiology in 2017 as an attending pediatric radiologist and Assistant Professor of Radiology. Dr. Otero is also the vice chair of clinical research in the Department of Radiology and leads the Radiology Clinical Research Core, a flourishing research program that uses state-of-the-art technologies to disseminate innovate work in imaging for infants, children, and pregnant women. He is a member of the Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness at CHOP with research emphasis in this field as it pertains to radiology. He is also a member of both the Section on Genitourinary Imaging and Section on Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Imaging.

Dr. Otero completed two consecutive fellowships in management at the Harvard Medical School in Boston. The first one was an Administration Fellowship at Gill Management and Hospital and the second one a Radiology Management fellowship at the Department of Radiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He completed Diagnostic Radiology residency in 2013 at Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University Medical School in Boston. In 2014 he completed his pediatric radiology fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and then joined the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

From 2002 to 2005, prior to his radiology career, Dr. Otero practiced medicine in Venezuela and as an emergency response physician with Doctors without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Liberia, Sudan, Angola, Pakistan and Yemen. He still serves as a teleradiologist for MSF.

Dr. Otero has continued his international outreach in pediatric radiology education and participated in educational missions to Haiti, Ghana and Ethiopia. He has served as the Rad-Aid International Pediatric Radiology Program Manager for Latin America and Africa and is a member of the CHOP Radiology RAD-AID chapter. Dr. Otero was recently appointed as the Director of Outreach for the World Federation of Pediatric Imaging (WFPI). Dr. Otero is a Global Health Scholar of the Center for Global Health (CGH), Perelman School of Medicine, and a Senior Fellow of the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. He has published on some of his international outreach activities, too.

Education and Training

Medical School

MD - Universidad Central de Venezuela - "Luis Razzetti" School of Medicine, Caracas, Venezuela

Internship

Transitional Year in Internal Medicine - Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, MI

Residency

Diagnostic Radiology - Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University Medical School, Boston, MA

Fellowship

Administration Fellowship - Gill Management and Hospital, Brigham & Women's Hospital - Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston, MA

Radiology Management - Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston, MA

Pediatric Radiology - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Board Certification

Diagnostic Radiology – American Board of Radiology

Titles and Academic Titles

Attending Radiologist

Vice-Chair of Clinical Research

Director, International Pediatric Radiology Education and Outreach

John Westgate Hope Endowed Chair

Departments and Services

Publications

Papers

2019

Serai SD, Otero HJ, Calle-Toro JS, Berman JI, Darge K, Hartung EA (2019 May). Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Kidney in Healthy Controls and in Children and Young Adults with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.  Abdominal Radiology (NY), 44 (5): 1867-1872. Doi: 10.1007/s00261-019-01933-4.

Calle-Toro JS, Maya CL, Emad-Eldin S, Adeb MD, Back SJ, Darge K, Otero HJ (2019 May 15). Morphologic and Functional Evaluation of Duplicated Renal Collecting Systems with MR Urography: A Descriptive Analysis. Clinical Imaging, 57: 69-76. Doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2019.05.004. 

Biko DM, Reisen B, Otero HJ, Ravishankar C, Victoria T, Glatz AC, Rome JJ, Dori Y (2019 May). Imaging of Central Lymphatic Abnormalities in Noonan Syndrome. Pediatric Radiology, 49 (5): 586-592. Doi: 10.1007/s00247-018-04337-6. Electronically published: 2019 Jan 6.

2018

Kadom N, Itri JN, Trofimova A, Otero HJ, Horný M. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: An Overview of Key Concepts, Recommendations, Controversies, and Pitfalls. Acad Radiol. 2018 Nov 8. pii: S1076-6332(18)30478-1. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2018.10.014. [Epub ahead of print]

Barrera CA, Otero HJ, White AM, Saul D, Biko DM (2018 Oct 29). Image Quality of ECG-Triggered High-Pitch, Dual-Source Computed Tomography Angiography for Cardiovascular Assessment in Children. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology: pii: S0363-0188(18)30217-2. Doi: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2018.10.006. PMID: 30472138.

Otero HJ, Cardillo F, Duffy E, Kaplan SL (2018 Sep 15). The Cost-Estimation Department: A Step Toward Cost Transparency in Radiology. J Am Coll Radiol., pii: S1546-1440(18)30981-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.07.033. PMID: 30227950. Epub ahead of print.

2017

Otero HJ. Crowder L: Imaging Utilization for the Diagnosis of Appendicitis in Stand-Alone Children's Hospitals in the United States: Trends and Costs. J Am Coll Radiol. 2017 May;14(5):603-608. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2016.12.013. Epub 2017 Feb 17.

2012

Otero HJ, Chamber JD, Bresnahan BW, Kamae MS, Yucel EK, Neumann PJ: Medicare's National Coverage Determinations in Diagnostic Radiology: Examining evidence and setting limits. Academic Radiology 19(9): 1060-5, 2012.

2011

Fang CH, Otero HJ, Greenberg D, Neumann PJ: An Overview of Cost-Utility Analyses in Diagnostic Laboratory Tests. Value Health 14(8): 1010-8, Dec 2011.

2010

Otero HJ, Rybicki FJ, Greenberg D, Mitsouras D; Mendoza JA, Neumann PJ: Cost-Effective Diagnostic Cardiovascular Imaging: When Does It Provide Good Value for the Money? International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 26(6): 605-12, Aug 2010.

*Khosa F, Otero HJ, Prevedello LM, Rybicki FJ, Di Salvo DN: Imaging Presentation of Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Cancer. American Journal of Roentgenology 194: 1099-1108, Jul 2010 Notes: *Co-First author.

Steigner MS, Mitsouras D, Whitmore AG, Otero HJ, Wang C, Buckley O, Levit NA, Hussain AZ, Cai T, Mather RT, Smedby O, DiCarli MF, Rybicki FJ: Iodinated Contrast Opacification Gradients in Normal Coronary Arteries Imaged with Prospectively ECG-Gated Single Heart Beat 320-Detector Row Computed Tomography. Cardiovascular Imaging 3(2): 179-186, Mar 2010.

2009

Souza FF, Otero HJ, Erturk SM, Rybicki FJ, Ramaiya N, Van den Abbeele AD, Di Salvo DN: Venous thrombosis in an outpatient oncology center: distribution, type, and co-morbidities. Ultrasound Quarterly 25(3): 145-50, 2009.

Otero HJ, Yap JT, Patak MA, Erturk SM, Israel DA, Johnston CJ, Sakellis C, Rybicki FJ, Van Den Abbeele A, Ros PR: Evaluation of Low Density Neutral Oral Contrast in PET/CT for Tumor Imaging: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial. American Journal of Roentgenology 193(2): 326-332, Aug 2009.

Steigner MT, Otero HJ, Cai T, Mitsouras D; Nallamshetty L, Whitmore AG, Ersoy H, Di Carli MF, Rybicki FJ: Narrowing the Phase Window in Prospectively ECG-Gated Single Heart Beat 320-Detector Row Coronary CT Angiography. International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 25(1): 85-90, Jan 2009.

2008

Rybicki FJ, Otero HJ, Steigner ML, Vorodiof G, Nallamshetty L, Mitsouras D, Ersoy H, Mather RT, Judy PF, Cai T, Coyner K, Schultz K, Whitmore AG, Di Carli MF: Initial evaluation of coronary images from 320-detector row computed tomography. International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 24(5): 535-46, 2008.

Otero HJ, Rybicki FJ, Greenberg D, Neumann PJ. Radiology: Twenty Years of Cost Effectiveness Analysis in Medical Imaging: Are We Improving? Radiology 249(3): 917-25, Dec 2008.

Otero HJ, Erturk SM, Ochoa RE, Ondategui-Parra S, Rybicki FJ, Ros PR: Intestinal Obstruction: Trends in Imaging Utilization and Their Influence on Rising Hospital Bills. Emergency Radiology 15(5): 317-23, Sep 2008.

Otero HJ, Ondategui-Parra S, Erturk SM, Ochoa RE, Gonzalez-Beicos A, Ros PR: Imaging utilization in the management of appendicitis and its impact on hospital charges. Emergency Radiology 15(1): 23-8, Mar 2008.

2007

Otero HJ, Rybicki FJ: Reimbursement for chest-pain CT: estimates based on current imaging strategies. Emergency Radiology 13(5): 237-242, Feb 2007.

Otero HJ, Erturk SM, Ondategui-Parra S, Wong S, Ros PR: Molecular imaging programs in the US: results of a national survey. Academic Radiology 14(2): 125-136, Feb 2007.

2006

Otero HJ, Erturk SM, Ondategui-Parra S, Ros PR: Key criteria for selection of radiology residents: results of a national survey. Academic Radiology 13(9): 1155-1164, Sep 2006.

Huhn GD, Brown J, Perea W, Berthe A, Otero H, Libeau G, Maksha N, Sankoh M, Montgomery S, Marfin A, Admassu M: Vaccination coverage survey versus administrative data in the assessment of mass yellow fever immunization in internally displaced persons. Vaccine 24(6): 730-7, Feb 2006.

Abstracts

2016

Bandarkar A, Otero HJ: Ultrasound Diagnosis of Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS): A Single Institutional Experience. 7th International Pediatric Radiology Conjoint Meeting & Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois 2016 Notes: Scientific Exhibit.

Allen ST, Otero HJ, Kirkorian AJ, Whitehead M: When the Pediatric Dermatologist Calls: A Collaborative Guide to Dermatologic Diagnoses that Require Imaging. Radiological Society of North America National Meeting, Chicago, IL November 2016 Notes: Educational Exhibit.

Posters and Presentations

2017

Smitthimedhin A, Otero HJ, Whitehead MJ: MRI Determination of Normal Volumes for the Upper Airway and Pharyngeal Lymphoid Tissue in Preterm and Term Infants. 60th Annual Meeting & Categorical Course of The Society for Pediatric Radiology, Vancouver, BC, Canada May 2017 Notes: Oral Presentation (Accepted for presentation).

Smith B, Otero HJ, Cielma T, Bandarkar A: Sonographic Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Motion: A Practical Guide to Performance and Interpretation. 60th Annual Meeting & Categorical Course of The Society for Pediatric Radiology, Vancouver, BC May 2017 Notes: Educational Poster (Accepted for presentation).

2016

Cerrolaza JJ, Otero HJ, Yao P, Biggs E, Ardon R, Jago J, Peters CA, Linguraru MG: Semi-Automatic Assessment of Pediatric Hydronephrosis Severity in 3D Ultrasound. Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Medical Imaging 2016 Notes: Oral presentation.

Otero HJ, George AM, Cerrolaza J, Biggs E, Jago J, Linguraru MG: Feasibility and Quality determinants of 3D Ultrasound in Children with Hydronephrosis. Radiological Society of North America National Meeting, Chicago, IL November 2016 Notes: Scientific Poster Presentation.

LeBedis CA, Rosenkrantz AB, Otero HJ, Decker SJ, Ward RJ: Contrast Reaction Training in US Radiology Residencies: A COARDRI Study. Radiological Society of North America National Meeting, Chicago, IL November 2016 Notes: Oral Presentation.

Cerrolaza JJ, Otero HJ, Biggs E, George AM, Yao PH, Ardon R: Quantitative 3D Ultrasound Imaging in Pediatric Hydronephrosis. Radiological Society of North America National Meeting, Chicago, IL November 2016 Notes: Oral Presentation.

Bhatia A, Otero HJ, Colafati G, Loomis J, Carducci C, Parikh AK, Whitehead MA: Imaging Findings in Typical and Atypical Central Nervous Infections during Fetal Development and Childhood. Radiological Society of North America National Meeting, Chicago, IL November  2016 Notes: Educational Exhibit.

Martin J, Mathison D, Mullan P, Otero HJ: Secondary Imaging for Suspected Appendicitis with Equivocal Ultrasound: MRI vs CT. Eastern Society for Pediatric Research Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA March 2016 Notes: Oral presentation.

Invited Lectures

2016

Otero H. Pediatric Body MR Imaging: Challenges and Strategies for Success. 25th Annual Meeting of the SMRT (Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists), a Section of the ISMRM (International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine). Singapore, May, 2016.

Otero H. Rising Utilization of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Management of Pediatric Appendicitis in the United States: An Update Using a Large Administrative Database. Scientific Paper.  7th International Pediatric Radiology Conjoint Meeting & Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois, May, 2016.

Otero H. Imaging Utilization Patterns for the Diagnosis of Appendicitis in Stand-Alone Children's Hospitals in the United States: an update of trends and costs. Scientific Paper. 7th International Pediatric Radiology Conjoint Meeting & Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois, May, 2016.

Otero H. Rising Utilization of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Management of Pediatric Appendicitis in the United States: An Update Using a Large Administrative Database, 7th International Pediatric Radiology Conjoint Meeting & Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois, May, 2016.

Otero H. Emergent MRI for Suspected Pediatric Appendicitis with Equivocal Ultrasound Results, 7th International Pediatric Radiology Conjoint Meeting & Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois, May, 2016.

Otero H. "Another Time, Another Space", The Virtual Journal Club, Radiology Research Alliance Task Force, Association of University Radiologist (AUR) Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, Mar, 2016.

2015

Otero H. "Building Pediatric Radiology Capacity in Ghana", RAD-AID Conference World Health Organization (PAHO) Headquarters, Washington, DC, Nov, 2015.

Otero H. "Introduction to Pediatric Radiology", invited lecturer: 12-hour series: ultrasound of the brain, bowel - pyloric stenosis, intussusception and appendicitis, newborn abdominal masses, fractures, foreign bodies, and tonsils. Fluoroscopic evaluation of the esophagus and urinary tract, how to perform CT angiography in children, and basics of Fetal MR physics. Radiology Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, May, 2015.

Otero H. "WFPI Plenary Session: International Pediatric Radiology Outreach", Society for Pediatric Radiology Annual Meeting, Bellevue, WA, May, 2015.

Awards and Honors

2016, Certificate of Merit Award for Education Exhibit, 102nd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

2016, Caffey Award - Scientific Exhibit, 7th International Pediatric Radiology Conjoint Meeting & Exhibition, Chicago, IL

2015-2016, Golden Apple Award: Teaching Faculty of the year, Radiology Department, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC

2013, Radiological Society of North America, Research & Education Foundation (RSNA R&E), Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA

2011, Siemens-Association of University Radiologists (AUR), Radiology Resident Academic Development (SARRAD) Program: Selected participant. Association of University Radiologist-AUR 59th National Meeting, Boston MA

2011, Radiological Society of North America, Research & Education Foundation (RSNA R&E), Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA

2011, Radiology Alliance for Health Services Research, American College of Radiology (RAHSR-ACR) Award, Association of University Radiologist-AUR 59th National Meeting, Boston MA

2010, Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Trainee Research Prize in the category "Resident/Physics Trainee Award", Radiological Society of North America National Meeting, Chicago, IL

Editorial and Academic Positions

Editorial Positions

Reviewer

2015-present, Pediatric Radiology Journal

2015-present, Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

2013-present, Heart

2011-present, Value in Health

2010-present, Radiology

2009-present, BioMed Central (BMC) Health Services Research

2009-present, Journal of the American College of Radiology

2008-present, International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging

Academic and Institutional Committees

2015-present, Radiology Research Alliance (RRA), Virtual Journal Club and Critical Reading of Literature Task Force, Association of University Radiologist, Oak Brook, IL

2015-present, MRI Safety Committee, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC

2014-present, Rad-Aid International, Pediatric Radiology Program Manager for Latin America and Africa

2014-present, World Federation of Pediatric Imaging, Outreach program/Rad-Aid Liaison, Boston, MA

2014-present, Children's National Medical Center Institutional Review Board (IRB) committee B, Washington, DC

2014-present, Children's National Medical Center Appendicitis working group, Washington, DC

Leadership and Memberships

Memberships in Professional Organizations 

International 

2017-present, European Society of Pediatric Radiology (ESPR)

2014-present, International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM)

2006-present, Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)

2003-present, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

National

2010-present, Society of Pediatric Radiology (SPR)

 - 2017, Abstract Poster Selection Committee member

 - 2016-present, Magnetic Resonance Committee

 - 2015-present, Abdominal Imaging Committee

2009-present, American College of Radiology- ACR

2006-present, Association of University Radiologists (AUR)

 - 2014-present, Clinically Oriented Academic Radiology Departments Research Initiative Task Force