Arizona radiologist wins Republican primary in race for US House

History was made in Arizona this week as Steve Ferrara, MD, became the first radiologist congressional candidate to win a contested primary race, according to the American College of Radiology Association’s political action committee (RADPAC).

“I am honored to have earned the trust and support of the voters of the 9th Congressional District to serve as the Republican nominee in the general election,” he said in the statement. “There are so many great people who have helped my campaign, but I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the tremendous amount of support I’ve received from the radiology community—I’m grateful beyond words.”

Ferrara capture 59 percent of the vote to defeat David Giles, the GOP’s 2016 nominee, and Irina Baroness Von Behr to win the Republican primary.

He will square off against former Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton in the Nov. 8 election. If Ferrara wins the open U.S. House seat, he will become the first radiologist to serve in Congress.

“We are well-positioned in our race,” Ferrara said. “Right now, our biggest goal is ensuring we have the necessary financial resources to communicate with voters because when voters hear our message, they are very supportive of our campaign.”

""

Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.