MD at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, United States
Dr. Agatha Stanek, MD, FRCPC, is a distinguished Body Imaging Radiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA. With extensive clinical expertise and a strong academic background, she has established herself as a leading specialist in diagnostic and body imaging radiology. Dr. Stanek earned her Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa, followed by residency training in Diagnostic Radiology at McGill University. She completed a prestigious fellowship in Body Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University. Over the years, she has held staff radiologist positions across Canada before moving to Boston to join one of the world’s premier academic hospitals. Her research has led to influential publications in peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from pancreatic cancer surveillance to minimally invasive procedures and imaging techniques. Actively involved in teaching, mentorship, and professional societies, Dr. Stanek contributes to advancing radiology practice, education, and faculty development at national and international levels.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile
Education
Dr. Agatha Stanek academic journey reflects her dedication to radiology and medical excellence. She began with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, with a minor in Psychology, at the University of Ottawa. She went on to earn her Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa , where she developed an early interest in imaging and clinical research. Her postgraduate training included a rigorous Diagnostic Radiology Residency at McGill University , where she refined her skills in advanced diagnostic techniques. To further specialize, Dr. Stanek pursued a fellowship in Body Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University , gaining expertise in abdominal, pelvic, and oncologic imaging. Alongside clinical training, she completed the USMLE Steps and the ABR Core Examination, ensuring her qualifications across both Canadian and U.S. medical boards. This strong educational foundation has prepared her for leadership in both academic and clinical radiology.
Experience
Dr. Agatha Stanek has built a diverse career across top medical institutions in North America. She began her clinical work in Canada, serving as a General Radiology Staff Physician at Lanaudière Regional Hospital in Joliette, Quebec . She then worked as a locum radiologist at Aberdeen Hospital in Nova Scotia, further broadening her general radiology expertise. She joined Mayfair Diagnostics in Calgary, Alberta, where she focused on body imaging and gained significant experience in advanced diagnostic procedures. Dr. Stanek accepted a position at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, where she now serves as a Body Imaging Radiologist and contributes to both clinical care and academic development. In addition to her clinical work, she has taken on leadership roles in faculty development, residency training, and professional committees, demonstrating her commitment to advancing medical education and radiology practice at the international level.
Research Interest
Dr. Agatha Stanek research interests lie in body imaging, diagnostic radiology, and interventional procedures, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through advanced imaging techniques. She has explored key areas such as the diagnostic yield and safety of percutaneous renal biopsies, imaging of adnexal masses, and minimally invasive interventions like percutaneous cholecystostomy. Her collaborative research in oncology has addressed surveillance strategies for individuals with genetic or familial pancreatic cancer syndromes, questioning the adequacy of current biannual screening practices. Dr. Stanek has also studied complications following surgical procedures, including heterotopic ossification after damage control laparotomy. Beyond clinical applications, she is interested in the role of education and faculty development in radiology, having published and presented on training methods for oral board preparation. Her work reflects a blend of clinical expertise, innovation, and academic leadership, with a strong emphasis on translating research findings into practice for improved diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
Award and Honor
Dr. Agatha Stanek has received recognition for her academic excellence, professional contributions, and leadership in radiology. She has served in influential roles such as Editor for the Society of Abdominal Radiology and article reviewer, highlighting her expertise and standing in the field. She was also a member of the Radiology Residency and Fellowship Competency Committee at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, reflecting her active role in academic medicine. Earlier in her career, Dr. Stanek was selected as a Radiology Resident Representative for both the Canadian Association of Radiologists and the American College of Radiology, underscoring her leadership potential. She has also been invited to present her research at prestigious international conferences, including the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the Association of Academic Radiology, and the Canadian Conference on Medical Education. These distinctions underscore her contributions not only as a clinician but also as an educator and researcher.
Research Skill
Dr. Agatha Stanek possesses strong research skills that span clinical investigation, imaging studies, and academic writing. She is highly proficient in designing and conducting clinical research projects in diagnostic and body imaging, with particular expertise in retrospective and prospective data analysis. Her published works demonstrate her ability to collaborate across multi-institutional teams, manage complex datasets, and apply rigorous statistical methods to evaluate diagnostic outcomes and procedural safety. She has successfully translated clinical questions into impactful studies, resulting in publications in high-impact journals such as Injury, Abdominal Radiology, and the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Dr. Stanek is also skilled in educational research, having studied medical curricula and innovative training methods. She is adept at scientific writing, peer reviewing, and preparing abstracts for national and international conferences. Her well-rounded research capabilities enable her to contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in radiology and improving patient-centered imaging practices.
Publication Top Note
Title: Life imitating art: Depictions of the hidden curriculum in medical television programs
Authors: Agatha Stanek, Christopher Clarkin, David Bould, Helen Writer, Ammar Doja
Journal: BMC Medical Education
Year: 2015
Conclusion
Dr. Agatha Stanek The study concludes that medical television programs portray elements of the hidden curriculum that mirror real-world medical education, including hierarchical relationships, professionalism, and ethical dilemmas. These depictions can shape both public perceptions of medicine and learners’ attitudes toward the profession. While dramatized, such portrayals provide opportunities to reflect on implicit cultural and social lessons within medical training. The authors suggest that educators can use these representations as teaching tools to raise awareness of the hidden curriculum, encourage critical thinking, and foster open dialogue among medical students. Ultimately, integrating media depictions into education may help learners recognize and address unspoken values and behaviors encountered in their training, supporting the development of more reflective and socially responsible physicians.