November 4, 2025
Eric Christensen, PhD, Named Minnies 2025 Finalist for Most Influential Radiology Researcher
We’re proud to share that Eric Christensen, PhD, Research Director at the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Minnies—AuntMinnie.com’s annual awards recognizing excellence in radiology.
Dr. Christensen is a finalist in the category of Most Influential Radiology Researcher, a distinction that reflects his leadership in advancing evidence-based health policy through radiology-focused economic research.
His research has informed policy at the highest levels, by being cited in an AMA resolution for low dose CT (LDCT) to support data-driven advocacy and in CMS efforts to expand coverage for CT colonography (CTC) and continues to influence how radiology evolves in response to economic, technological, and societal pressures.
Dr. Christensen’s work has helped shape national conversations around imaging access, workforce dynamics, and the integration of non-physician practitioners in clinical practice and was cited in two of the biggest threats to radiology examples identified in this year’s Minnies:
• Radiology workforce shortages: A recent Neiman HPI study led by Dr. Christensen concluded that without intervention, the U.S. will face a continued shortage of radiologists due to rising demand and limited supply. His work has helped quantify the scale of this challenge and inform workforce planning efforts.
• Increased imaging volumes: Another study from Dr. Christensen and colleagues projected that imaging use could rise as much as 45% by 2055, driven by population growth and aging. These findings underscore the urgency of policy solutions to manage workload and prevent burnout.
Since joining the Neiman Institute, Dr. Christensen has led other research on:
• Economic drivers of disparities in access to advanced imaging technologies
• Radiology workforce trends, including burnout and attrition
• Medicare budget neutrality and reimbursement policy impact
• Non-radiologist imaging interpretation
• Radiology practice consolidation
• Barriers and facilitators of screening adherence
Being named a Minnies finalist places Dr. Christensen among an elite group of researchers whose work is shaping the future of radiology. We congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate the impact of his contributions to the field.