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Background/Objectives: Medical research institutions are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the processing and analysis of medical imaging data. However, scaling AI-driven medical image analysis often requires specialized expertise and infrastructure that individual labs may lack. A centralized solution is to establish a core facility—a shared institutional resource—dedicated to Automated Medical Image Processing and Analysis (AMIPA). Methods: This technical note offers a practical roadmap for institutions to create an AI-based core facility for AMIPA, drawing on our experience in building such a resource. Results: We outline the key components for replicating a successful AMIPA core facility, including high-performance computing resources, robust AI software pipelines, data management strategies, and dedicated support personnel. Emphasis is placed on workflow automation and reproducibility, ensuring researchers can efficiently and consistently process large imaging datasets. Conclusions: By following this roadmap, institutions can accelerate AI adoption in imaging workflows and foster a shared resource that enhances the quality and productivity of medical imaging research.
Details
; Cardan, Rex A 1 ; Ho-hsin, Chang 1
; Heinzman, Katherine A 2
; Gultekin, Kadir 3
; Goss, Amy 4
; McDonald, Andrew 5 ; Murdaugh, Donna 6 ; McConathy, Jonathan 7 ; Rothenberg, Steven 7
; Smith, Andrew D 8
; Fiveash, John 1 ; Cardenas, Carlos E 1
1 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
2 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
3 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
4 Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
5 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
6 Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
7 Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
8 Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;