Biographical summary
Robert J. French Jr., M.D., M.B.A., is a fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist and part of the Musculoskeletal Imaging Division in the Department of Radiology. Dr. French most recently served as Assistant Professor of Radiology and Director of MSK Ultrasound at Duke University, where he also held a secondary faculty appointment in Rheumatology. His clinical expertise includes advanced musculoskeletal MRI, ultrasound-guided procedures, arthritis imaging, and orthopedic oncologic imaging.
Dr. French earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed his radiology residency at Lahey Clinic, where he also served as Chief Resident. He pursued fellowship training in musculoskeletal imaging at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his clinical training, he holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and has held several leadership roles in education, clinical operations, and policy.
An award-winning educator and active researcher, Dr. French has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and presented nationally on topics ranging from imaging appropriateness to low-dose CT applications. His work reflects a deep commitment to innovation in radiology education, patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Clinical Interests:
- Musculoskeletal MRI and ultrasound
- Arthritis and inflammatory joint imaging
- Image-guided MSK interventions
- Orthopedic oncology
- Radiology education and clerkship innovation
- Healthcare operations and imaging policy
- Low-dose CT in musculoskeletal imaging
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
- Image-guided biopsy
- Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration
- Ultrasound-guided injection
Interests
- Musculoskeletal Imaging — Comprehensive MRI, CT, and ultrasound evaluation of joints, bones, and soft tissue pathology.
- MSK Ultrasound and Image-Guided Intervention — Diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound-guided procedures, including joint injections, aspirations, and tendon sheath interventions.
- Arthritis and Inflammatory Joint Disease Imaging — Specialized imaging of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis—bridging rheumatology and radiology care.
- Sports Medicine and Overuse Injuries — Imaging of acute and chronic sports-related conditions, with emphasis on shoulder, hip, and lower extremity injuries.
- Orthopedic Oncology — Imaging and staging of bone and soft tissue tumors, including sarcoma surveillance.
- Postoperative Imaging and Arthroplasty Evaluation — Advanced imaging of total joint replacements and postoperative complications, particularly in the shoulder and hip.
- Radiology Education and Curriculum Innovation
Activities and honors