Kirti Kulkarni

Dr. Kirti Kulkarni is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology, specializing in breast and abdominal imaging. After completing her radiology residency, Dr. Kulkarni completed two fellowships at the University of Chicago, one in Breast Imaging followed by Abdominal Imaging. Currently, Dr. Kulkarni serves as the Interim Section Chief, Director of the Breast Imaging Fellowship Program, and Vice Chair for Communications at the University of Chicago Medicine. Her research in the field of Breast MRI and 3D breast specimen imaging has received various accolades and she has published multiple papers in peer-reviewed journals, and book chapters and has been a part of many clinical trials. She co-founded the Annual Chicagoland Radiology Expo, an in-person and virtual educational and mentorship platform to strengthen the pipeline of women in healthcare; specifically, radiology. ACR has published an Imaging 3.0 case study on the Expo. As Vice Chair for Communications, she has led various initiatives to increase transparency and foster collaborative relationships within and outside the department. Some of the initiatives include interactive websites, annual reports, and Alumni Engagement Series. The Communications team was highlighted in a case study published and distributed by the ACR. She is a founding member of the Breast Imaging Fellowship Consortium, which was launched in March 2020 to educate and enhance the experience of breast imaging fellows in the nation.
She serves on the Faculty Advisory Committee helping to shape institutional culture and communication. Dr. Kulkarni is an active member of the University of Chicago’s Global Health Initiative and participates in international outreach programs aimed at conducting MRI bootcamps and reducing health disparities among women. Her commitment to education has been recognized through two teaching excellence awards as well as the 2024 Radiology Advocacy and Patient Outreach Award from the Illinois Radiological Society.