Jennifer McCarty, MD
Department of Neuroradiology, Division of Diagnostic Imaging
About Dr. Jennifer McCarty
Dr. Jennifer McCarty is an Associate Professor in the Neuroradiology Department. She completed her neuroradiology fellowship at Emory. Dr. McCarty recently worked at UTHealth in the Texas Medical Center for 7 ½ years, practicing at one of the busiest trauma and stroke centers in the country. She is excited for her new role at MD Anderson. Her interests include education, head/neck imaging, and spine imaging.
Dr. McCarty has been lucky to become involved in national radiology and neuroradiology societies. She enjoys using graphic design and interactive applications to make unique lectures for local trainees and national meetings. She was honored to receive the Dean’s Teaching Award each of her last 5 years at UTHealth and resident Teacher of the Year in 2023. She has given more than 30 invited presentations at national meetings including the ASNR, RSNA, ASSR, ASHNR, ARRS, ASER, and AOCR meetings. She has authored and coauthored book chapters, review articles, peer-reviewed journal articles, scientific presentations, and educational exhibits, winning awards from RSNA, ASNR, and ASHNR. Dr. McCarty completed a term on the AJNR Editorial Board, serving as Associate Editor for the Spine Imaging and Intervention section from 2023-2025.
She feels extremely grateful to be an academic neuroradiologist and now part of the leading cancer center in the country. Dr. McCarty is looking forward to working with multidisciplinary teams to take care of our patients and make cancer history.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Associate Professor, Department of Neuroradiology Department, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2011 | University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, US, Doctor of Medicine, Jennifer McCarty |
Postgraduate Training
| 2016-2017 | Neuroradiology Fellow, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia |
| 2012-2016 | Radiology Resident, Chief Resident, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas |
| 2011-2012 | Transitional Year Intern, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2018 | American Board of Radiology, CAQ |
| 2018 | State of Texas |
| 2017 | American Board of Radiology |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Houston, Texas, 2023 - 2026
Assistant Professor, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Houston, Texas, 2018 - 2023
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, 2017 - 2018
Editorial Activities
Associate Editor, Spine Imaging and Spine Image-Guided Interventions Section, AJNR American Journal of Neuroradiology, 2023 - 2025
Honors & Awards
| 2025 - Present | Dean’s Teaching Award of Excellence, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston |
| 2025 - Present | Esteemed Educator Award, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston |
| 2024 - Present | Dean’s Teaching Award of Excellence, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston |
| 2023 - Present | Cum Laude Award; selected for RadioGraphics. McCarty J, Samant R, Bonfante E, Sitton C, Riascos R, Gavito J. Infarcts, Malformations, and Tumors… Oh My! A Review of Spinal Vascular Pathology in and Around the Spinal Cord, RSNA 109th Annual Meeting |
| 2023 - Present | Teacher of the Year, UTHealth Radiology Residency |
| 2023 - Present | Dean’s Teaching Award of Excellence, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston |
| 2022 - Present | Dean’s Teaching Award of Excellence, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston |
| 2021 - Present | Outstanding Presentation Award Winner in the Spine Category. CT versus MRI in Grading of Upper Cervical Spine Injuries Based on the New AO Spine Classification. Khanpara S, Doyle N, McCarty J, Aein A, Cai Y, Patel R, Stark J, Riascos R, Research Committtee at the ASNR 59th Annual Meeting |
| 2021 - Present | Dean’s Teaching Award of Excellence, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston |
| 2018 - Present | Cum Laude Award; selected for RadioGraphics. McCarty J, Leung L, Sitton C, Sarraj A, Brinjikji W. Diff’rent Strokes, Younger Folks: An Image-Based Review of Ischemic Infarction in Young Adults, Education and RadioGraphics Selection Committee at the RSNA 104th Annual Meeting |
| 2018 - Present | Certificate of Merit Award. Tomblinson CM, Samant R, Gokden M, Hoxworth J, McCarty J. Am I Loitering Around a Diagnosis? No, It's Amyloidosis! - a Review of Amyloid & Mimics for the Neuroradiologist, RSNA Education Committee at the RSNA 104th Annual Meeting |
| 2017 - Present | Radiology Resident Conference of the Month Faculty Winner, UAMS Radiology Residents |
| 2016 - Present | Magna Cum Laude Award; selected for RadioGraphics. McCarty J, Skalski M, Golofit P. Graphic Illustration for the Radiologist: An Introduction to Using Original Illustrations in Medical Education, Education and RadioGraphics Selection Committees at the RSNA 102nd Annual Meeting |
| 2016 - Present | First Place Award; selected for Neurographics. McCarty J, Corey A, Cavazuti B, Baddour M, El-Deiry M, Hudgins, P. One Flap, Two Flap, Fib Flap, Scap Flap: A Comprehensive Review of Surgical Free Flaps in Head & Neck Reconstruction, ASHNR Education Committee at the ASHNR 50th Annual Meeting |
| 2016 - Present | Charles K. Roberts Radiology Resident Professionalism Award, UAMS Radiology Residency |
| 2016 - Present | Selected for Neurographics. McCarty J, Dornhoffer J, Angtuaco E, Fitzgerald R. Lend Me Your Ears… for a Comprehensive Review of External Ear Anatomy, Development, & Pathology, Neurographics Selection Committee at the ASNR 54th Annual Meeting |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Regional Presentations
- 2021. Spine Topic 5 Missed Diagnoses. Invited. Texas Radiological Society Annual Meeting, US.
- 2020. Spine Trauma. Invited. Texas Radiological Society Annual Meeting. San Antonio, Texas, US.
National Presentations
- 2025. Breaking Through: Refined MRI Protocols for Spine Trauma. Invited. Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting. Chicago, Illinois, US.
- 2025. Reconstruction Flaps. Invited. American Society of Head & Neck Radiology 59th Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, Nevada, US.
- 2025. Postoperative Spinal Collections. Invited. American Society of Neuroradiology 63rd Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US.
- 2025. Spine Cases for Board Review and Beyond. Invited. American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting. San Diego, California, US.
- 2025. Non-Traumatic Spine Emergencies. Invited. American Society of Spine Radiology 23rd Annual Meeting. San Diego, California, US.
- 2024. Is This Spinal Infection?. Invited. Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting. Chicago, Illinois, US.
- 2024. Challenging Neuroradiology ED Non-Trauma Cases. Invited. American Society of Emergency Radiology Annual Meeting. San Diego, California, US.
- 2024. Reconstruction Flaps. Invited. American Society of Head & Neck Radiology 58th Annual Meeting. San Diego, California, US.
- 2024. Spinal Cord Trauma: Where are We Now?. Invited. American Society of Neuroradiology 62nd Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, Nevada, US.
- 2024. Rapid Fire Spine Cases - Review Track. Invited. American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting. Boston, Massachusetts, US.
- 2024. Elevated Intracranial Pressure and Herniation - Categorical Course. Invited. American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting. Boston, Massachusetts, US.
- 2024. Step Up Your Presentation Game: An Interactive Hands-On Workshop on Becoming a PowerPoint Jedi. Panelist. American Society of Neuroradiology 61st Annual Meeting. Chicago, Illinois, US.
- 2023. Spinal Cord Infarct. Invited. American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting. Honolulu, Hawaii, US.
- 2023. Spine Top 3 Diagnoses. Invited. American Osteopathic College of Radiology. Phoenix, Arizona, US.
- 2023. Challenging Spine ER Cases. Invited. American Society of Spine Radiology 21st Annual Meeting. Charleston, South Carolina, US.
- 2022. Extradural Spinal Anatomy. Invited. American Society of Neuroradiology 60th Annual Meeting. New York City, New York, US.
- 2022. Spinal Vascular Lesions. Invited. American Society of Spine Radiology 20th Annual Meeting. Austin, Texas, US.
- 2021. Post Operative Neck. Invited. RSNA 107th Annual Meeting. Chicago, Illinois, US.
- 2021. Medical Illustration for the Radiologist. Visiting. Grand Rounds. Nashville, Tennessee, US.
- 2021. ASNR.org and Education: How to Maximize a Goldmine of Content for Trainees. Invited. American Society of Neuroradiology 59th Annual Meeting, US.
- 2021. Spine Top 3 Diagnoses. Invited. American Osteopathic College of Radiology, US.
- 2021. Learning at a Distance During COVID. American Society of Spine Radiology 19th Annual Meeting, US.
- 2020. Toxic and Metabolic Neurologic Emergencies. Invited. American Society of Emergency Radiology Annual Meeting, US.
- 2020. Spinal Cord Diseases - Categorical Session. Invited. American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting, US.
- 2020. Patient Presenting with Neurologic Deficit - SAM Session. Invited. American Society of Spine Radiology 18th Annual Meeting. Dana Point, California, US.
- 2019. Morning Mentor Session. Panelist. American Society of Head & Neck Radiology 53rd Annual Meeting. Tucson, Arizona, US.
- 2019. Difficult Spine Cases - SAM Session. Invited. American Society of Neuroradiology 57th Annual Meeting. Boston, US.
- 2018. Pearl from My Mentor. Invited. American Society of Head & Neck Radiology 52nd Annual Meeting. Savannah, Georgia, US.
- 2018. Case of the Day. Poster. American Society of Head & Neck Radiology 52nd Annual Meeting. Savannah, Georgia, US.
- 2018. Networking/Staying Connected to Colleagues. Leveraging Social Media to Enhance Neuroradiology. Invited. American Society of Neuroradiology 56th Annual Meeting. Vancouver, British Columbia, CA.
- 2017. Personal Branding and Networking via Professional Use of Social Media. Invited. American Society of Neuroradiology 55th Annual Meeting. Long Beach, California, US.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Chaulk AL, McCarty JL, Patel RP, Chuang AZ, Adesina OO. Prognosticators of Optic Nerve Imaging in Malignant Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome: Erratum. J Neuroophthalmol 45(4):541, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 41325009.
- Riascos R, Khalaj K, Tavakkol E, Rodriguez A, McCarty J, Montenegro DT. Prevertebral Hematoma: A Potential Biomarker for the Severity of Upper Cervical Spine Trauma and a Predictor for the Need for Surgical Intervention. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 46(9):1943-1951, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40813212.
- Timaran-Montenegro D, Nunez L, Dono A, Arevalo O, Rodriguez A, Khalaj K, McCarty J, Zhu JJ, Esquenazi Y, Riascos R. Glioblastoma IDH-wild type: imaging independent predictors of gross total resection (GTR) using the VASARI feature set and tumoral volumetric measurements. Acta Radiol 66(5):546-557, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40079778.
- Chaulk AL, McCarty JL, Patel RP, Chuang AZ, Adesina OO. Prognosticators of Optic Nerve Imaging in Malignant Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome. J Neuroophthalmol 45(3):295-300, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39593215.
- Nunez L, Jeelani S, Timaran-Montenegro D, Riascos R, McCarty J. Characterization of acute American football spinal injuries in a multi-center healthcare system. Emerg Radiol 29(6):1003-1008, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36169728.
- Cai Y, Khanpara S, Timaran D, Spence S, McCarty J, Aein A, Nunez L, Arevalo O, Riascos R. Traumatic spondylolisthesis of axis: clinical and imaging experience at a level one trauma center. Emerg Radiol 29(4):715-722, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35543854.
- Vilanilam GK, Wadhwa V, Tomblinson CM, McCarty JL, Samant RS. Trends in Neuroradiology Fellowship Match in the United States: Analysis of the 13-Year National Resident Matching Program Data. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 50(6):831-834, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33041160.
- Khanpara SD, McCarty JL, Schmitt KM, Stark JR, West OC, Zhang X, Riascos RF. Atlanto-occipital distraction injuries in survivors: craniometrics and associated ligamentous, spinal cord, and blunt cerebrovascular injury. Emerg Radiol 28(1):83-92, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 32728999.
- Tomblinson CM, Wadhwa V, Latimer E, Gauss CH, McCarty JL. Publicly Available Metrics Underestimate AJNR Twitter Impact and Follower Engagement. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 40(12):1994-1997, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31727751.
- D'Anna G, Chen MM, McCarty JL, Radmanesh A, Kotsenas AL. The Continued Rise in Professional Use of Social Media at Scientific Meetings: An Analysis of Twitter Use during the ASNR 2018 Annual Meeting. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 40(6):935-937, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31072973.
- Wadhwa V, Latimer E, Chatterjee K, McCarty J, Fitzgerald RT. Maximizing the Tweet Engagement Rate in Academia: Analysis of the AJNR Twitter Feed. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 38(10):1866-1868, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28663265.
- McCarty JL, David RM, Lensing SY, Samant RS, Kumar M, Van Hemert RL, Angtuaco EJC, Fitzgerald RT. Root Cause Analysis: An Examination of Odontogenic Origins of Acute Maxillary Sinusitis in Both Immunocompetent & Immunocompromised Patients. J Comput Assist Tomogr 41(3):484-488, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 27798445.
Review Articles
- Tavakkol E, Khalaj K, Aristizabal S, McCarty J, Riascos R. Anatomy and Nontraumatic Pathologies of the Craniocervical Junction: A Comprehensive Review. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 33(2):217-232, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40287243.
- McCarty J, Chung C, Samant R, Sitton C, Bonfante E, Chen PR, Raz E, Shapiro M, Riascos R, Gavito-Higuera J. Vascular Pathologic Conditions in and around the Spinal Cord. Radiographics 44(9):e240055, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39207926.
- McCarty JL, Leung LY, Peterson RB, Sitton CW, Sarraj A, Riascos RF, Brinjikji W. Ischemic Infarction in Young Adults: A Review for Radiologists. Radiographics 39(6):1629-1648, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31589580.
- Bello HR, Graves JA, Rohatgi S, Vakil M, McCarty J, Van Hemert RL, Geppert S, Peterson RB. Skull Base-related Lesions at Routine Head CT from the Emergency Department: Pearls, Pitfalls, and Lessons Learned. Radiographics 39(4):1161-1182, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31283455.
- McCarty JL, Corey AS, El-Deiry MW, Baddour HM, Cavazuti BM, Hudgins PA. Imaging of Surgical Free Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 40(1):5-13, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30409846.
- McCarty JL, Golofit P, Tigges S, Skalski M. Digital Medical Illustration for the Radiologist. Radiographics 38(4):1145-1157, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29856683.
Book Chapters
- McCarty J, McCarty T, Bonfante E. Elevated Intracranial Pressure and Herniation. In: Critical Care and ICU Imaging. ARRS, 2024.
- McCarty J, Choi J. Diseases of the Spinal Cord: How to Avoid Misdiagnosis. In: Subspecialists Tips for the Multispecialist. ARRS, 2020.
Letters to the Editor
- D'Anna G, Chen MM, McCarty J, Radmanesh A, Kotsenas AL. Reply. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 40: E57, 2019.
- D'Anna G, Chen MM, McCarty J, Radmanesh A, Kotsenas AL. Reply. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 40: E55, 2019.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified January 26, 2026