Nadja Farshad
Prof. Dr. med. Nadja Farshad is a Senior Consultant in Radiology and Sports Medicine at Balgrist University Hospital. As a recognized expert in musculoskeletal radiology, she combines advanced diagnostic imaging with highly specialized musculoskeletal ultrasound and extensive experience in image-guided injections and interventions.
A particular focus of her clinical practice is the precise performance of ultrasound-guided…
Prof. Dr. med. Nadja Farshad is a Senior Consultant in Radiology and Sports Medicine at Balgrist University Hospital. As a recognized expert in musculoskeletal radiology, she combines advanced diagnostic imaging with highly specialized musculoskeletal ultrasound and extensive experience in image-guided injections and interventions.
A particular focus of her clinical practice is the precise performance of ultrasound-guided injections and minimally invasive interventions for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Her approach combines in-depth anatomical knowledge, advanced interventional expertise, and individualized treatment strategies.
Through her interdisciplinary role bridging Radiology and Sports Medicine, she integrates precision imaging with a comprehensive understanding of movement, biomechanics, and physical performance. Close collaboration across specialties enables a thorough assessment and targeted treatment of both sports-related injuries and complex musculoskeletal conditions.
With additional certifications from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), she has developed particular expertise in golf-related biomechanics, movement patterns, and musculoskeletal conditions. This specialized knowledge complements her clinical practice, allowing her to address the specific needs of golfers and physically active individuals through an integrated approach combining musculoskeletal imaging, sports medicine, and targeted interventions.
Academic position
Lecturer at the University of Zurich
Specialisation
- Musculoskeletal Radiology and Sports Imaging
- Advanced Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Diagnostics
- Dynamic and Functional Ultrasound Imaging
- Ultrasound-Guided Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy
- Sports Medicine and Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Interdisciplinary Assessment of Complex Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Spine Imaging
- Golf-Related Musculoskeletal Conditions and Biomechanical Analysis (TPI-Certified L1, J2, M2, G2)
Graduate
| Date | Qualification / Education |
|---|---|
| Since 2025 | Postgraduate training in Sports Medicine (SEMS – Swiss Sports Medicine Society), Switzerland – ongoing |
| 2022 | Appointment as Titular Professor (Adjunct Professor), University of Zurich, Switzerland |
| 09/2016–02/2017 | Leadership Program, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland |
| 02/2016 | Venia Legendi (Habilitation) in Radiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland |
| 02/2014 | FMH Board Certification in Radiology, Switzerland |
| 2009 | ECFMG Certification (USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK and CS), United States Medical Licensing Examinations |
| 2007 | Doctor of Medicine (Dr. med.), University of Zurich, Switzerland |
| 2001–2007 | Medical Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland, including clinical clerkships at Duke University Hospital, North Carolina, USA, and Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA |
Professional career
| Date | Position / Institution |
|---|---|
| Since 09/2026 | Senior Consultant in Radiology and Sports Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland |
| 2020–08/2026 | Senior Consultant Radiologist, Department of Radiology, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland |
| 11/2018–2020 | Attending Radiologist, Department of Radiology, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland |
| 11/2017–11/2018 | Research Associate, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland |
| 04/2014–11/2017 | Attending Radiologist, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland |
| 09/2012–08/2013 | Musculoskeletal Imaging Research Fellowship, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), New York, USA, focusing on musculoskeletal MRI, including metal artifact reduction techniques and spine imaging |
| 01/2009–03/2014 | Resident Physician in Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland |
| 01/2008–12/2008 | Resident Physician in Internal Medicine, Uster Hospital, Switzerland |
Major sports medicine functions
Precision Diagnostics and Targeted Interventions
Musculoskeletal ultrasound enables high-resolution, dynamic assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other structures of the musculoskeletal system.
A particular focus is on ultrasound-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, allowing precise, targeted, and individualized approaches to selected musculoskeletal conditions.
Radiology and Sports Medicine – An Interdisciplinary Approach
As a specialist in musculoskeletal radiology with additional training in sports medicine, Prof. Farshad-Amacker combines advanced diagnostic imaging with clinical expertise in sports-related musculoskeletal conditions.
In her role bridging Radiology and Sports Medicine at Balgrist University Hospital, she promotes close interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure comprehensive diagnostic assessment and coordinated, individualized treatment strategies, particularly for sports-related injuries and complex musculoskeletal conditions.
Golf and Sport-Specific Musculoskeletal Conditions
Through her additional certifications from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), Prof. Farshad-Amacker has developed specialized expertise in golf-specific movement patterns, biomechanics, and their relationship to musculoskeletal conditions.
This expertise complements her radiological and sports medicine practice, particularly in the assessment of sports-related musculoskeletal complaints and the care of physically active individuals.
Fellowships
| 09/2012-08/2013 | Musculoskeletal research fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA with special interest in musculoskeletal MRI, in particular reduction of metal artefacts and spinal imaging |
Grants
- 2014 Grant for “Promotion of female academic leaders” (“filling the gap”), University of Zurich; CHF 35,000
- 2012 Sponsorship from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) for research fellowship abroad with the specialist musculoskeletal research fellowship in New York, USA; CHF 35,000
- 2012 Hospital for Special Surgery Grant the specialist musculoskeletal research fellowship in New York, USA; USD 25,000
Memberships
SGR-SSR – Swiss Society of Radiology
ESR – European Society of Radiology
ESSR – European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology
SEMS – Sport & Exercise Medicine Switzerland
SGUM – Swiss Society for Ultrasound in Medicine
Vested interests
- Balgrist Startup Xperticum, MedConsults GmbH, BoD and financial investment
Scientific projects
Scientific Expertise and Research Focus
Prof. Dr. med. Nadja Farshad-Amacker has extensive scientific expertise in musculoskeletal radiology, with a particular focus on spine imaging, degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and advanced imaging techniques.
A major focus of her research is the precise characterization of degenerative changes of the spine, particularly involving the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebral structures. Her work explores the relationships between imaging findings, biomechanical alterations, and clinically relevant disease processes.
Another key area of her research is the advancement and scientific evaluation of image-guided interventions. Her studies include innovative training methods for ultrasound-guided procedures and the application of emerging technologies, such as augmented reality, in interventional education.
In the field of sports medicine and movement analysis, Prof. Farshad-Amacker serves as Principal Investigator (PI) of a research project focused on the quantitative assessment of golf biomechanics. The project aims to objectively measure and quantify golf-specific movement patterns and investigate their biomechanical relationships. This research integrates her expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with advanced approaches to functional movement analysis and sports medicine research.
Her scientific work is characterized by close interdisciplinary collaboration between radiology, orthopaedics, sports medicine, and related specialties. By integrating advanced imaging, biomechanical research, and clinical applications, she aims to further improve the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and sports-related injuries.
Reviewer and editorial board activities
- European Radiology - Section Editor for musculoskeletal radiology
- The Spine Journal - Reviewer
- Skeletal Radiology - Reviewer
- Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (JMRI) - Reviewer
Publications
Contact
University Center for Prevention and Sports Medicine
Forchstrasse 319
8008 Zürich
Reception
Monday to Thursday
7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
+41 44 386 52 52
+41 44 386 52 48
Email
Medical secretariat
+41 44 386 52 07
+41 44 386 52 08
E-Mail
Physiotherapy
Monday to Thursday
7 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Friday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fitness center
Monday until Friday
7 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Friday
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Weekend/Holiday
8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m.