Juan Jose Ibarra Rovira, M.D.
Department of Abdominal Imaging, Division of Diagnostic Imaging
About Dr. Juan Jose Ibarra Rovira
I am Juan Ibarra Rovira, born and raised in Asuncion, Paraguay. Initiated my training in Paraguay at the Charity Hospital of the National University of Asuncion as an intern and resident in Diagnostic Radiology. I moved to the US in 2003 to achieve my dream of becoming a Board Certified Radiologist and after being certified by the ECFMG committee, I matched into a 5 year Categorical program at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston, TX in 2005. I was also awarded a 1 year training fellowship in Abdominal Oncologic Imaging at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2010.
I returned to BCM and worked as staff for 7 years (2011-2018) covering a wide variety of services including, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI and some minimal interventions. I help developing a dedicated Prostate MRI program in collaboration with the GU Surgical Service at BCM lead by Dr. Godoy for performance of US/MRI fusion biopsy. I enjoyed supervising radiology residents in the Abdominal and Emergency Services at Ben Taub General Hospital, Level I Trauma Center in Houston, reaching the level of ER Radiology Director, and Medical Director of Radiology at Smith Clinic for The Harris Health System.
I am currently an Associate Professor of Radiology within the Department of Abdominal Imaging at MD Anderson Cancer Center, with interest in oncologic imaging of the GI and GU tracts, focused in pancreatic, prostate and urothelial carcinoma. Use of structured reporting and appropriate imaging modality are at the top of my priorities when working with other colleagues to help answering the key questions for optimal treatment.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Associate Professor of Radiology, Abdominal Imaging Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Assistant Professor of Radiology, Abdominal Imaging Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Associate Professor, Abdominal Imaging Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Research Interests
Prostate, Urothelial and Pancreatic Carcinoma in all modalities of imaging.
Clinical Interests
Prostate, Urothelial and Pancreatic Carcinoma in all modalities of imaging.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1999 | Universidad Nacional De Asuncion, Asuncion, PY, MD |
Postgraduate Training
| 2010-2011 | Clinical Fellowship, Abdominal Radiology/Oncologic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2005-2010 | Clinical Residency 5 year Categorical Program, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas |
| 2001-2003 | Clinical Residency, Diagnostic Radiology, Universidad Nacional De Asuncion, Asuncion |
| 2000-2001 | Clinical Internship, Transitional, Universidad Nacional De Asuncion, Asuncion |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2011 | Texas Medical Board |
| 2010 | American Board of Radiology |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Assistant Professor, Abdominal Imaging Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2018 - 2024
Assistant Professor, Diagnostic Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2018
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Abdominal Imaging Section Head, Abdominal Imaging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2016 - 2018
Medical Director Imaging Service, Diagnostic Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine - Harris Health System, Houston, TX, 2013 - 2018
Intramural Institutional Committee Activities
Abdominal Radiology advisor, Pancreatic Cancer Algorithm Workgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2025 - Present
Representative of Abdominal Imaging, Faculty Senate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2024 - 2025
Alternate, Faculty Senate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - 2024
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Advisor/Member, Tumor Measurement Initiative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Member, Chair Search Advisory Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - 2023
Alternate position, Clinical Effectiveness Advisory Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2026 - Present | Outstanding Clinician Award, Patient Care, Division of Diagnostic Imaging |
| 2020 | Distinguished Reviewer Acknowledgment 2019, Journal of Abdominal Imaging |
| 2013 | Teacher of The Year, Baylor College of Medicine |
| 2010 | Resident of the Year, Baylor College of Medicine |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
National Presentations
- 2024. PET CT as a Diagnostic and Staging Tool in Management of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Invited. SAR 2024. Hollywood, Florida, US.
- 2022. Role of FDG PET-CT in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Conference. Role of FDG PET-CT in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Scottsdale, AZ, US.
- 2016. Imaging Integration with Cancer Genomics/Proteomics: Methodologies Leveraging the Cancer Imaging Archive. Conference. Imaging Integration with Cancer Genomics/Proteomics: Methodologies Leveraging the Cancer Imaging Archive. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2016. Launching a Prostate MRI-TRUS Fusion Biopsy Service: Lessons Learned from a Single Institution Experience. Conference. Launching a Prostate MRI-TRUS Fusion Biopsy Service: Lessons Learned from a Single Institution Experience. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2015. Introductory Presentation of TCGA Group for TCC Bladder Cancer Study in Cancer Genomics/Proteomics. Conference. Introductory Presentation of TCGA Group for TCC Bladder Cancer Study in Cancer Genomics/Proteomics. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2015. Advanced Clinical Training Program Course – Prostate Cancer. Conference. Advanced Clinical Training Program Course – Prostate Cancer. Houston, TX, US.
International Presentations
- 2025. Urothelial Carcinoma Imaging Evaluation. Invited. XXVI Meeting of the SM-RAD. Morelia, MX.
- 2025. Prostate Carcinoma Imaging Evaluation. Invited. XXVI Meeting of the SM-RAD. Morelia, MX.
- 2025. Cystic Pancreatic Lesions. Invited. XXVI Meeting of the SM-RAD. Morelia, MX.
- 2024. Cystic Pancreatic Lesions. Invited. Sociedad Paraguaya De Radiologia E Imagenologia (Member of the Latinamerican College of Radiology). Asuncion, PY.
- 2022. Pancreatic Imaging. Conference. Pancreatic Imaging. San Juan, PR.
- 2022. Urothelial Carcinoma. Conference. Urothelial Carcinoma. San Juan, PR.
- 2022. Imaging of the Prostate. PIRADS and Beyond. Conference. Imaging of the Prostate. PIRADS and Beyond. San Juan, PR.
- 2021. Urothelial Carcinoma. Conference. Urothelial Carcinoma. Virtual Managua, NI.
Formal Peers
- 2023. Diagnostic Radiological Approach for Neurological and GI/GU Presentations. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Appropriateness Criteria For Radiology: Tips for Primary Care Providers. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Mileto, A, Yu, L, Revels, JW, Kamel, S, Shehata, MA, Ibarra Rovira, JJ, Wong, VK, Roman-Colon, AM, Lee, JM, Elsayes, KM, Jensen, CT. State-of-the-Art Deep Learning CT Reconstruction Algorithms in Abdominal Imaging. Radiographics 44(12), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39612283.
- Ibarra Rovira J, Thirumurthi S, Taggart M, Yilmaz B, Lin H, Zhong LL, Ejezie CL, Akhmedzhanov FO, Zarifa A, Leung CH, Hong DS, Vikram R. Role of Abdominal and Pelvic CT Scans in Diagnosis of Patients with Immunotherapy-Induced Colitis. J Immunother Precis Oncol 5(2):32-36, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35664090.
- Ranasinghe WKB, Troncoso P, Surasi DS, Ibarra Rovira JJ, Bhosale P, Szklaruk J, Kokorovic A, Wang X, Elsheshtawi M, Zhang M, Aparicio A, Chapin BF, Bathala TK. Defining Diagnostic Criteria for Prostatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma at Multiparametric MRI. Radiology 303(1):204732, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35076303.
- Wang X, Ma J, Bhosale P, Ibarra Rovira JJ, Qayyum A, Sun J, Bayram E, Szklaruk J. Novel deep learning-based noise reduction technique for prostate magnetic resonance imaging. Abdom Radiol (NY) 46(7):3378-3386, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33580348.
- Fielding JC, Wagner-Bartak NA, Javadi S, Morani AC, Ganeshan D, Ibarra-Rovira JJ, Liu X, Jensen CT. Improved Computed Tomography Contrast Injection Rates Through Implantable Chest Power Ports. J Comput Assist Tomogr 44(6):911-913, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32976270.
- Yilmaz, M, Ibarra Rovira, JJ, Musher, BL. Prolapsed gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 13(4):e35-e36, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25251573.
Invited Articles
- Ibarra-Rovira JJ, Kundra V. Biopsy in Prostate Cancer. More Is Better. Radiol Imaging Cancer 2(4):e204019, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 33778726.
- Le, O, Rovira I, JJ. Cystic Pancreatic Lesions: A Review of Diagnosis and Management. Indian Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology:35-39, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
Review Articles
- Awiwi MO, Badawy M, Shaaban AM, Menias CO, Horowitz JM, Soliman M, Jensen CT, Gaballah AH, Ibarra-Rovira JJ, Feldman MK, Wang MX, Liu PS, Elsayes KM. Review of uterine fibroids: imaging of typical and atypical features, variants, and mimics with emphasis on workup and FIGO classification. Abdom Radiol (NY) 47(7):2468-2485, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35554629.
- Klimkowski S, Ibrahim M, Ibarra Rovira JJ, Elshikh M, Javadi S, Klekers AR, Abusaif AA, Moawad AW, Ali K, Elsayes KM. Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and the Role of Imaging: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Associated Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 13(20), 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34680270.
- Consul N, Amini B, Ibarra-Rovira JJ, Blair KJ, Moseley TW, Taher A, Shah KB, Elsayes KM. Li-Fraumeni Syndrome and Whole-Body MRI Screening: Screening Guidelines, Imaging Features, and Impact on Patient Management. AJR Am J Roentgenol 216(1):252-263, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33151095.
- Elsherif SB, Virarkar M, Javadi S, Ibarra-Rovira JJ, Tamm EP, Bhosale PR. Pancreatitis and PDAC: association and differentiation. Abdom Radiol (NY) 45(5):1324-1337, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 31705251.
Professional Educational Materials
- Wang X, Son J, Bhosale P, Qayyum A, Ibarra Rovira J, Hwang KP, Stafford J, Pagel M, Lebel M, Bayram E, Ma J, Szklaruk J. High Resolution Prostate T2 weighted MRI with Deep Learning and without an Endorectal Coil. ePoster ISMRM, 2020.
- Ibarra Rovira J, Vikram R. Genitourinary malignancies TNM staging update based on the 7th edition of AJCC Staging Manual. Poster SUR, 2010.
- Nguyen M, Singh L, Ibarra Rovira J, Fisher R, Whigham C, Trinh C. Endovascular repair of a subtotal transected left subclavian artery. CIRSE, 2009.
- Bray C, Naeini R, Ibarra Rovira J. Liposclerosing Myxofibroid Tumor (LSMFT). ACR, 2008.
- Machain G, Rovira I, JJ. Splenic Conservation during distal Pancreatectomy. EFACIM, 1998.
Other Articles
- Yilma Y, Ibarra Rovira J, Musher L Prolapsed Gastric GIST: A rare cause of Biliary Obstruction and Acute Pancreatitis. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hapatology(13):e35-e36, 2015.
Abstracts
- (1st author) SK, Shehata MA, Ibarra-Rovira JJ, Wong VK, Roman Colon AM, Elsayes KM, (Senior author) CTJ. Deep Learning Reconstructions in the Abdomen: an update. RSNA National/International Meeting 2023, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Jo N, K Manikonda SPR, Morani AC, MD, Salem U, Presenting Author) JJIR(, Katabathina V, Prasad SR, MD, Surabhi V, Marcal L, Yedururi S, Presenting Author) M(. A deep dive into the temporal evolution of metastatic disease on routine oncologic imaging: Clinical relevance, pitfalls and practical tips for abdominal imagers. Society of Abdominal Radiology Meeting, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Lerner S, Duddalwar V, Huang E, Altun E, Bathala T, Kennish S, Ibarra Rovira J, Lucchesi F, Muglia F, Thomas S, Vikram R, Vargas A, Cen S, Hwang D, King K, Varghese B, Fevrier-Sullivan B, Kirby J, Jaffe C, Freymann J. Comprehensive radiomics analyses of qulitative and quantitative features of cross sectional imaging in the TCGA project in MIBC. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Schwartz G., Tamm E., Gaballah A., Al-Hawary M., Bhosale P, Javadi S., Wong V, Sarna A, Gao M, Ibarra Rovira JJ, Le O. Pancreatic Tumor Imaging Pitfalls and how to avoid them. RSNA.
Book Chapters
- Ibarra Rovira, JJ, Kamat, A, Siefker-Radtke, AO, Kundra, V. Urothelial Carcinoma (Bladder Cancer and Upper Tracts), 309,329.e1-329,329.e4, 2022.
- Javadi S, Wong V, Ibarra Rovira J, Bhosale P, Tamm E. Diagnosis and Staging of Pancreatic Cancer: Imaging Evaluations—Pancreatic Protocol CT and MRI, PET-CT. In: Pancreatic Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Springer, 2022.
- Ibarra Rovira, JJ, Da Rosa, MR, Haider, MA. Prostate imaging, 635-654, 2015.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 22, 2026