In March, we’re featuring Columbia University Irving Medical Center, a large academic health system that includes a 1,300-bed flagship hospital in Manhattan, a community hospital, and multiple satellite medical offices across the region. Associate Division Chief of Medical Physics, Dr. Klaus A. Hamacher, shares how RadMachine supports one of the nation’s most complex diagnostic imaging operations and helps drive quality, consistency, and compliance at scale through deep expertise in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine physics.
An interview with Dr. Hamacher provided insight into his clinical work, how RadMachine supports a diverse fleet of imaging modalities, and the measurable improvements it's bringing to his QA program.
Across the enterprise, what is in your imaging fleet?
21 MRI units
20 CT scanners (including 5 PET/CTs and 3 SPECT/CTs)
23 special procedures suites
37 fixed radiography and R/F rooms
10 digital mammography units
Numerous mobile radiography, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound units
In total, more than 225 X-ray tubes, all supported by a QA program managed directly or indirectly through Radformation's RadMachine, including associated equipment such as survey meters.
What challenges were you hoping automation would solve?
"Given the size of our operation, including multiple satellite sites, our top concerns were consistent and accurate record keeping, timely regulatory compliance, and ensuring appropriate escalation when issues were identified.”
How did you hear about Radformation?
“Word of mouth from colleagues. I wasn’t previously familiar with Radformation’s oncology products.”
Advice for physicists considering automation?
“Get on board with RadMachine. It’s the 21st-century solution for QA tracking.”
Managing Complexity at Scale: What are the biggest operational challenges your team faces?
“The biggest challenge is efficient and accurate QA recordkeeping. Our QA must meet requirements from accrediting organizations and regulators such as NYS DOH, NYC DOH, and MQSA. Any finding must be escalated and addressed promptly, and having an automated system that notifies leadership and the physics team is extremely helpful. Consistency and timeliness across modalities are critical.”
How do you ensure consistency and compliance?
“Before RadMachine, we relied on Microsoft Excel. It didn’t alert us to missing or failing QA. Now, we’re notified immediately when a QA item is overdue or fails. Monthly reports allow our team to summarize QA efforts in a way that’s both detailed and easy to understand.”
What stood out initially about Radformation?
“I was impressed by the power of the RadMachine platform, but also a bit intimidated by the scope of translating our QA processes into structured test lists. There was a clear learning curve but also tremendous promise.”
What impact has Radformation had?
“The RadMachine platform has dramatically improved accuracy, consistency, and response time. Notifications for missed or failed tests allow us to act immediately. Using standardized test lists across all sites, with leadership buy-in, has resulted in complete consistency system-wide.”
How has automation changed your response to findings?
“Our response is significantly faster and more effective. Leadership and physics receive immediate notifications, and we can escalate to Biomed or vendors right away. We can also work directly with technologists to improve procedures when needed.”
On a Personal Note
When he’s not keeping a massive imaging program running smoothly, Klaus enjoys baking, reading, listening to music, and creating YouTube videos. If he hadn’t pursued physics, he could easily see himself in programming or engineering, anything that involves building and problem-solving.
His favorite vacation destination is Germany, where his family lives. His most recent visit was especially meaningful, celebrating his mother’s 90th birthday in 2025.
Fun fact about Klaus
A few years ago, Klaus decided to leave his Christmas lights up through March 21, the first day of spring. “Winter can be cold, gray, and unpleasant,” he says. “If bright lights bring a little cheer to people, that’s worth it.”
Watch one of our On Demand Webinars, featuring RadMachine for Diagnostic Departments:
From QA to Service Events: How RadMachine Supports End-to-End Equipment Management [Watch Now]