Meet Dr. Zerrin YetkinNeuroradiologist in Dallas

Zerrin Yetkin, M.D., is one of the pioneers of modern neuroradiology imaging technology.

Before joining UT Southwestern, Dr. Yetkin was part of the team at Medical College of Wisconsin that first developed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and resting-state fMRI. These two high-end imaging techniques revolutionized the field of neuroradiology. The article they published on the concept and imaging technique of resting state fMRI has been fourth among the 100 most-cited articles in neuroimaging. 

Since then, resting-state fMRI has grown into its own neuroscience specialty, with more than 80,000 published papers devoted to the topic.

“That’s the beauty of radiology,” Dr. Yetkin says. “Medicine changes with technology, and most of that technology takes place in radiology or interfaces with radiology. That ongoing change makes it a really exciting field.”

Dr. Yetkin came to UT Southwestern in 2000 and established the high-end imaging system for the Radiology Department. UT Southwestern now boasts one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated neuroradiology centers in North Texas.

In her work, Dr. Yetkin focuses primarily on diagnostic imaging. She maps brain function, connections within the brain, and is able to identify tumors, infarctions, signs of epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. To do this, she works closely with patients, walking them through the imaging process and making sure they feel comfortable every step of the way.

Neuroradiology requires great detail, discipline, and technical accuracy. Dr. Yetkin’s services are used by a wide variety of specialties, from neurology and neurosurgery to emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery. She also receives referrals from outside institutions and, occasionally, from nearby states.