Thomas K. Nishino, Ph.D.
Department of Imaging Physics, Division of Diagnostic Imaging
About Dr. Thomas K. Nishino
Dr. Thomas Nishino joined MD Anderson in January, 2009. Prior to that, Dr. Nishino spent seven years at UTMB in the Department of Radiology. Dr. Nishino enjoys employing modern technology and novel pedagogical techniques for improving teaching efficacy.
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Furthermore, Dr. Nishino teaches courses for the School of Health Professions Radiological Technologist Program and the GSBS Medical Physics Program. As of current, Dr. Nishino is researching automatic methods of evaluating and assessing image quality for digital radiography.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Director of Clinical Operations, Department of Imaging Physics, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Associate Professor, Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Adjunct Professor (Joint appointment), School of Health Professions, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Associate Professor, Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Adjunct Professor, School of Health Professions, Houston, TX
Research Interests
- 2-D and 3-D image processing methods for the extraction of pertinent, clinical data used by radiologists and clinicians to assess anatomy, pathology and physiologic activity in the human body
Clinical Interests
- Dose monitoring and reduction in radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations
- Continuous improvement of the quality assurance program in radiography/fluoroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging
- Correlating quality control metrics with improvements in patient safety and image quality
- Monitoring and assessment of technical staff performance in order to maintain optimal image quality in accordance with ALARA principle
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2000 | Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US, Physics, Ph.D |
| 1997 | Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US, Physics, M.S |
| 1994 | University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, US, Physics, BA |
Postgraduate Training
| 1999-2001 | Postdoctoral Fellowship, Medical Physics, University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2003 | American Board of Radiology - Diagnostic Medical Physics |
Experience & Service
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Director of Clinical Operations, Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2020 - Present
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Imaging Physics Representative on the Clinical Credentials of the Medical Staff Committee, 2017 - 2020
Member, Fluoroscopy Radiation Protocol Committee, 2013 - Present
Member, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Division of Diagnostic Imaging General Radiography/Fluoroscopy QA Committee, 2011 - Present
Member, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Division of Diagnostic Imaging Quality Council Committee, 2010 - Present
Member, The University of Texas Medical Branch Capital Equipment Committees, (CT, MRI), 2001 - 2008
Member, The University of Texas Medical Branch Quality Control/Assurance Management/ Improvement Committees, 2001 - 2008
Member, The University of Texas Medical Branch ACR Accreditation Committee, 2001 - 2008
Member, The University to Texas Medical Branch Web Development Committee, 2001 - 2008
Member, The University of Texas Medical Branch e-Learning Committee, 2001 - 2008
Member, The University of Texas Medical Branch MRI Clinical Research, 2001 - 2008
Honors & Awards
| 2024 | Multi-Year Appointment Award, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2020 | President’s Recognition of Faculty Excellence, Prevention Outreach, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2016 | Faculty Recognition Award, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2016 | JACMP Editor-in-Chief Award for General Medical Physics Article, “Evaluation of cassette-based digital radiography detectors using standardized image quality metrics: AAPM TG-150 Draft Image Detector Tests", Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics, 17 (5) 2016., |
| 2011 | Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions |
| 2008 | 2nd Place Award for Best Poster, The University of Texas Medical Branch Education Symposium |
| 2008 | Best Innovative Research Poster, Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) |
| 2007 | Certificate of Merit, Radiological Society of North America |
| 2006 | Cum Laude Citation, Radiological Society of North America |
| 1994 | Rhodes Scholar Hawaii State Finalist, Rhodes Trust Organization |
| 1993 - 1994 | Space Grant College Fellowship, University of Hawai'i at Hilo |
| 1992 - 1994 | Presidential Scholarship, University of Hawai'i at Hilo |
| 1991 - 1992 | Pacific Asian Scholarship, University of Hawai'i at Hilo |
| 1990 - 1994 | Dean's List, University of Hawai'i at Hilo |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Regional Presentations
- 2008. Use of three-dimensional images for teaching gross anatomy and radiology in the UTMB Medical School curriculum. Conference. Use of three-dimensional images for teaching gross anatomy and radiology in the UTMB Medical School curriculum. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2008. Use of three-dimensional images for teaching gross anatomy and radiology in the UTMB Medical School curriculum. Conference. Use of three-dimensional images for teaching gross anatomy and radiology in the UTMB Medical School curriculum. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2002. Radiation Safety During Fluoroscopy and Interventional Radiography. Conference. Radiation Safety During Fluoroscopy and Interventional Radiography. Galveston, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2016. Poster: Objective Image Quality Metrics versus Automated Quality Assurance Tests for Monitoring DR System Performance. Conference. Poster: Objective Image Quality Metrics versus Automated Quality Assurance Tests for Monitoring DR System Performance. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2015. Medical Physics 2.0 in Practice: Automated QC Assessment of Clinical Chest Images. Conference. Medical Physics 2.0 in Practice: Automated QC Assessment of Clinical Chest Images. Anaheim, CA, US.
- 2012. Independent Implementation of AAPM TG-150 Draft Image Receptor Test Recommendations. Conference. Independent Implementation of AAPM TG-150 Draft Image Receptor Test Recommendations. Charlotte, NC, US.
- 2008. CT evaluation of the feasibility caudal access of a novel approach to percutaneous intraspinal navigation through the sacral hiatos. Conference. CT evaluation of the feasibility caudal access of a novel approach to percutaneous intraspinal navigation through the sacral hiatos, US.
- 2007. Prolonged gastric emptying: characterization and frequency mechanisms. Conference. Prolonged gastric emptying: characterization and frequency mechanisms. Washington, DC, US.
- 2007. Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for measuring fibroglandular tissue. Conference. Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for measuring fibroglandular tissue. Los Angeles, CA, US.
- 2007. MR imaging in triage of pregnant patients with acute abdominal and pelvic pain. Conference. MR imaging in triage of pregnant patients with acute abdominal and pelvic pain. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2006. Supraclavicular triangle in the thoracic inlet: A pictorial review. Conference. Supraclavicular triangle in the thoracic inlet: A pictorial review. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2005. Web-based testing for radiology residents. Conference. Web-based testing for radiology residents. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2005. 3D localization of appendix by MDCT and its impact on a surgeon's choice of appendectomy incision. Conference. 3D localization of appendix by MDCT and its impact on a surgeon's choice of appendectomy incision. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2005. Internet and CDROM resources for residency recruiting. Conference. Internet and CDROM resources for residency recruiting. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2005. Biomarkers of soy consumption and breast cancer risk factors. Workshop on "Resolving Soy and Breast Cancer Controversy". Conference. United Soybean Board. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2005. Correlates of full field digital mammographic density in premenopausal women. Conference. Correlates of full field digital mammographic density in premenopausal women. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2004. Sub traction MR imaging for evaluation of renal lesions: Comparison with post-contrast T1-weighted images. Conference. Sub traction MR imaging for evaluation of renal lesions: Comparison with post-contrast T1-weighted images. Miami, FL, US.
- 2004. Incorporating radiological anatomy lectures into the first-year medical students gross anatomy course. Conference. Incorporating radiological anatomy lectures into the first-year medical students gross anatomy course. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2004. MR imaging for evaluation of renal lesions: comparison with postcontrast T1-weighted images. Conference. MR imaging for evaluation of renal lesions: comparison with postcontrast T1-weighted images. Miami, FL, US.
- 2004. Full-field digital mammograms for breast density analysis. Conference. Full-field digital mammograms for breast density analysis. Seattle, WA, US.
- 2003. Comparison of transmission rates of DICOM data via 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1 Gbps ethernet. Conference. Comparison of transmission rates of DICOM data via 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1 Gbps ethernet. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2003. MRI Artifacts in Body Imaging. Conference. MRI Artifacts in Body Imaging. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2003. Contrast-to-noise ratio and mo-filter thickness for digital mammography. Conference. Contrast-to-noise ratio and mo-filter thickness for digital mammography. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2003. Incorporation of radiology cases in a problem-based learning format for teaching medical gross anatomy. Conference. Incorporation of radiology cases in a problem-based learning format for teaching medical gross anatomy. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2002. Brass filtration considerations in reducing patient dose in mobile C-arm fluoroscopy. Conference. Brass filtration considerations in reducing patient dose in mobile C-arm fluoroscopy. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2002. Development, construction, and implementation of a low cost, one terabyte teaching file archive. Conference. Development, construction, and implementation of a low cost, one terabyte teaching file archive. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2002. Use of manual pre-scanning for rapid MRI and decreased gradient noise exposure. Conference. Use of manual pre-scanning for rapid MRI and decreased gradient noise exposure. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2002. Teaching atlas in HTML format for first-year gross anatomy and radiology course. Conference. Teaching atlas in HTML format for first-year gross anatomy and radiology course. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2001. Multi-slice CT scanner CTDI dose considerations. Conference. Multi-slice CT scanner CTDI dose considerations, US.
International Presentations
- 2007. Computing mammographic density from a multiple regression mode constructed with image-acquisition parameters from a full-field digital mammographic unit. Conference. Computing mammographic density from a multiple regression mode constructed with image-acquisition parameters from a full-field digital mammographic unit. San Francisco, US.
- 2007. Computing mammographic density from a regression model constructed with image- acquisition parameters from a full-field digital mammographic unit. Conference. Computing mammographic density from a regression model constructed with image- acquisition parameters from a full-field digital mammographic unit. San Francisco, US.
Formal Peers
- 2008. Nishino TK. Figure of Merit Investigation of Pre-patient Filtration Thickness for a Full-field Digital Mammography Unit. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2007. Johnson RF, Nishino TK. Microsoft Office Live Meeting as a virtual classroom. Invited. Austin, TX, US.
- 2007. Nishino TK. Quantification of Fibroglandular Tissue Using 3-D Volume-rendered Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2006. Johnson RF, Nishino TK. Role of Medical Physicist in an Academic Diagnostic Radiology Department. Invited. Austin, TX, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2020 - 2022 |
| Title: | GRIPS: Guayule Radiation-Attenuation Innovative Gloves as a Price-Effective Route to Natural Rubber Security |
| Funding Source: | EnergyEne (USDA Pass Thru) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 2020-33530-32758 |
| Date: | 2003 - 2007 |
| Title: | Mammographic density and soy isoflavones |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1-RO1-CA95545-01A1 |
| Date: | 2003 - 2007 |
| Title: | Soybean diet in breast density |
| Funding Source: | U.S. Army Medical Research Material Command |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | DAMD170110417 |
| Date: | 2003 - 2005 |
| Title: | Optimization of Filtration in Digital Mammography |
| Funding Source: | John Sealy Memorial Endowment Fund for Biomedical Research |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | No assigned # |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Little K, Reiser I, Apgar B, Dalal P, Dave J, Fisher R, Hulme K, Jafari ME, Marshall E, Meyer S, Moore Q, Murphy N, Nishino T, Nye K, O'Donnell K, Sabol J, Sanchez A, Sensakovic W, Tarbox L, Uzenoff R, Walz-Flannigan A, Willis C, Zhang J. AAPM task group report 305: Guidance for standardization of vendor-neutral reject analysis in radiography. J Appl Clin Med Phys 24(5):e13938, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36995917.
- Lu LW, Chen NW, Brunder DG, Nayeem F, Nagamani M, Nishino TK, Anderson KE, Khamapirad T. Soy isoflavones decrease fibroglandular breast tissue measured by magnetic resonance imaging in premenopausal women: A 2-year randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN 52:158-168, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36513449.
- Cadavid, DA, Layman, RR, Nishino, T, Slutzky, JL, Li, Z, Cornish, K. Guayule Natural Rubber Latex and Bi2O3 Films for X-ray Attenuating Medical Gloves. Materials 15(3), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35161128.
- Ramerez, D, Layman, R, Nishino, T, Slutzky, L, Zhenyu, L, Cornish, K. Guayule Natural Rubber Latex and Bi2O3 Films for X-ray Attenuating Medical Gloves. Materials 15:1184, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
Abstracts
- Don S, Li X, Bosca-Harasim R, Fruscello T, Middlebrooks R, Simanowith M, Gress D, Jones AK, Lafata N, Burton C, Little K, Hulme K, Streitmatter S, Quails N, Jiang X, Nishino T, Fisher R, Lahn C, Burleson J, Fredericks N, Zacharias-Andrews K. The ACR Dose Index Registry for Digital Radiography: Developing Pediatric Registry Benchmarks. Radiological Society of North America 2023 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Vlahos I, De Groot PM, Nishino TK, Sartin SL, Erasmus JJ, Agrawal R, Truong MTM, Ahuja J, Shroff GS. Dual Energy Chest Radiography in Oncological Practice. Radiological Society of North America 2023 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Mann S, Fong G, Marshall EL, Miller DL, Nishino TK, Pike P, Ren L, Topbas C, Schoenfeld A, Singh V, Zhang J. The ACR Diagnostic Fluoroscopy Dose Index Registry Pilot: Initial Review of Technical Performance Characteristics. AAPM Annual Meeting, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Johnson RF, Nishino TK, Watts G, Gomez C. Use of Three-dimensional Images for Teaching Gross Anatomy and Radiology in a Medical School. Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, 2009. e-Pub 2009.
- Riascos RF, Vasquez MC, Nishino TK, Heymann J. How to Create 3D Volumetric Medical Diagrams Using the New Tools of PowerPoint 2007. Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, 2009. e-Pub 2009.
- Riascos R, l V, Haberman A, Nishino T. CT Evaluation of the Feasibility Caudal Access as a Novel Approach to Percutaneous Intraspinal Navigation through the Sacral Hiatos. Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Jadhav S, Riascos R, Vu L, Wong S, Palacio D, Nishino TK. Comparison between PACS Multiplanar Reformats and Sharpening Tool in the Detection of Spinal Lesions in Trauma Using 64 multidetector CT. Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Oto A, Ernst RD, Ghulmiyyah L, Hughes DE, Nishino TK, Saade. MR Imaging in Triage of Pregnant Patients with Acute Abdominal and Pelvic Pain. Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, 2007. e-Pub 2007.
- Lu LJW, Khamapirad T, Anderson KE, Brunder DG, Nishino TK, Grady JJ, Nagamani M. Web-based Testing for Radiology Residents. 105th Annual Meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society, 2005. e-Pub 2005.
- Sarai PS, Ernst RD, Oto A, Chaljub G, Nishino TK, Leonard MH. Incorporating radiological anatomy lectures into the first-year medical student gross anatomy course. 89th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2004. e-Pub 2004.
- Oto A, Koroglu M, Ernst RD, Nishino TK, Craig JA, Zamora JG, Caroling NP, Chaljub G. Subtraction MR imaging for evaluation of renal lesions: comparison with postcontrast T1-weighted images. 104th Annual Meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society, 2004. e-Pub 2004.
- Annamalai P, Wendel J, Ernst RD, Oto A, Nishino TK, Anderson ME. Comparison of Transmission Rates of DICOM Data via 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1 Gbps Ethernet. 89th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2003. e-Pub 2003.
- Nishino TK, Wu X, and Liu H. Contrast-to-Noise Ratio and Mo-filter Thickness for Digital Mammography. 89th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2003. e-Pub 2003.
- Shah RK, Ernst RD, Oto A, Chaljub G, Nishino TK, Johnson RF. MRI Artifacts in Body Imaging. 89th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2003. e-Pub 2003.
- Sarai AP, Ernst RD, Nishino TK, Morton L, Chaljub G, and Oto A. Incorporation of Radiology Cases in a Problem-based Learning Format for Teaching Medical Gross Anatomy. 89th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2003. e-Pub 2003.
- Shah RK, Ernst RD, Luciano VM, Anderson ME, Nishino TK, and Johnson Jr RF. Development, Construction, and Implementation of a Low Cost, One Terabyte Teaching File Archive. 88th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2002. e-Pub 2002.
- Ernst RD, Callas JD, Chaljub G, Ozkan OS, Khamapirad T, Sarai AP, Nishino TK. Teaching Atlas in HMTL Format for First-Year Gross Anatomy and Radiology Course. 88th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2002. e-Pub 2002.
- Ernst RD, Ozkan OS, Oto A, Nishino TK, Walser EM, and Chaljub G. Use of Manual Pre-Scanning for Rapid MRI and Decreased Gradient Noise Exposure. 88th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2002. e-Pub 2002.
- Nishino TK, Barnes GT. Brass filtration considerations in reducing patient dose in mobile C-arm fluoroscopy. 87th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, 2001. e-Pub 2001.
- Kim YM, Grumbine D, Nishino TK. 1/f dynamics and granular avalanches. Proceedings of the International Conference on Statistical Mechanics, 1998. e-Pub 1998.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 18, 2025