Marco Essig, MD, PhD, FRCP[C]

Dr. Marco Essig is a professor of radiology and chair of the radiology department at the University of Manitoba. He is also the medical director of the diagnostic imaging program with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Dr. Essig has dedicated his career to the use of advanced imaging techniques in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up management of various neurologic disorders and oncology.

Dr. Essig began his medical education at the University of Heidelberg Medical School, where he obtained his MD degree in 1994. He went on to pursue a PhD in Neurological Sciences from the same institution, which he completed in the same year. His academic achievements and contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the CIHR Ideathon Travel award in 2018, the Lucein Appel Price of the European Society of Neurology in 2010, the Coolidge Award from the Germany Rontgen Ray Society in 2007, and the Felix-Jerusalem-Preises of the German Society of Muscular Diseases in 2006.

Dr. Essig has held several academic and research positions throughout his career. In 2006, he was appointed as a professor of radiology at Heidelberg Medical School and worked as an associate medical director of the department of radiology. From 2011 to August 2013, he worked as a full professor at the department of neuroradiology of the University of Erlangen, Germany. In September 2013, he was appointed professor and chair of the department of radiology at the University of Manitoba, where he currently serves. He has also served as the Manitoba provincial medical lead for diagnostic imaging from 2019-2023.

Dr. Essig has a broad range of research interests, with a particular focus on multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, stroke imaging, and traumatic brain injury. His research is focused on the integration of functional imaging techniques into the diagnostic workup, treatment management/planning, and follow-up management of these disorders. He believes that the integration of these techniques is essential for providing better patient assessment and management, and for enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Dr. Essig's research has resulted in the development and early assessment of modern imaging tools, and he has initiated and finalized multi-site and national comparative studies to prove the validity of these tools. He is also involved in the harmonization of protocols to ensure that these tools are integrated into clinical routine practices. Dr. Essig is a prolific author, with over 250 peer-reviewed articles and more than 20 book chapters to his credit. He has also served as a visiting professor at multiple national and international radiology departments.

Dr. Essig is a member of several professional organizations and committees, including the Canadian Heads of Academic Radiology, the editorial board of European Radiology, Investigative Radiology, Insights into Imaging, Canadian Association of Radiology Journal, and Der Radiologe. He is also a deputy editor for neuroimaging at the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (JMRI) and the Canadian Association of Radiology Journal. In addition, he has served as a member of the neuroimaging subcommittee of the RSNA from 2011 to 2015, and since 2017, he has been a member of the committee of scientific affairs of the RSNA. Dr. Essig's contributions to the field of radiology have had a significant impact on patient care, and he continues to inspire and mentor students as they pursue careers in the field.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Neurological Sciences, University of Heidelberg (1994).

Doctor of Medicine, University of Heidelberg Medical School (1994).

Awards

Canadian Institutes of Health Research Ideathon Travel Award (2018)

Lucien Appel Prize of the European Society of Neurology (2010)

Coolidge Award – Germany Rontgen Ray Society (2007)

Felix Jerusalem Prize of the German Society of Muscular Diseases (2006)