Headline News

Dear Colleagues,

We mourn the loss of our colleague, mentor, and friend, Christian LaCelle Carlson, MD, who passed away on July 14, 2026, at the age of 58, following a courageous battle with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Christian’s distinguished life was defined by service, beginning with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Gulf War. He earned his MD from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), completed his residency at Brooke Army Medical Center, and undertook a pediatric radiology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. After a decorated military career from which he retired as a Colonel, he completed a second fellowship in pediatric neuroradiology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital before joining Intermountain Pediatric Imaging in Salt Lake City. To him, pediatric radiology and neuroradiology was a sacred calling; he approached every child with compassion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

An active member of the ASPNR, Christian advanced the field of pediatric imaging through outstanding leadership and education. He served as the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Director at SAUSHEC, dedicating himself to training future military radiologists. He mentored countless trainees and colleagues with patience and wisdom, instilling in them his own high standards of medical inquiry.

Christian’s professional legacy is matched by his devotion to work partners, friends, and most of all, his family. Known for his quick wit, kind smile, and deep faith, he made everyone he encountered feel seen and valued.  I personally will miss our outings in his beloved Wasatch mountains, his love of a good challenge, and his thoughtful and sincere interest in the lives of those he loved.   While he is deeply missed, his example of integrity, commitment, and camaraderie continue to inspire those who knew him.  

Luke Linscott, MD
Chair, Primary Children’s Hospital Department of Radiology