Our Staff
Lee P. Adler, MD
Dr. Adler is the founder and medical director of the Adler Institute for Advanced Imaging, LLC, the only second generation positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and advanced CT facility in the greater Philadelphia area (opened May 2005). An internationally recognized leader in PET and PET/CT research and patient (clinical) innovations, Adler established the region’s first PET/CT center in 2001, when he was Chief of Nuclear Medicine and Senior Member at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
He was an early pioneer in the use of PET for cancer patients (oncology) and, in 1987, was one of the first physicians in the world to apply PET to patients with cancer.
Prior to Fox Chase, Adler directed the PET facility and Nuclear Medicine Department at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and was a professor of radiology at the WFU School of Medicine. Before that, Adler was one of two physicians who built the highly regarded PET center at Case Western Reserve University, where he was an assistant and associate professor for more than eleven years.
Adler has published more than 155 articles and abstracts in major scientific journals relating to PET, PET/CT and Cardiac MR (Magnetic Resonance) during the past 17 years. He is a current recipient of grants from The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and General Electric Corporation (GE). Over the years, Adler has received nearly a dozen NIH grants for research and clinical patient applications. See Dr. Adler’s CV including articles and abstracts (.pdf)
Considered a foremost authority in PET and PET/CT, Adler is a founding member of the Society of Nuclear Medicine’s PET Learning Center and currently serves on the board and as secretary of the Academy of Molecular Imaging (formerly the Institute for Clinical PET). He is also active in many other professional organizations and has served on numerous national committees relating to the use of PET and PET/CT.
Adler is a graduate of Princeton University (B.S.E. Applied Mathematics, 1977) and University of North Carolina (M.D., 1981). He is certified by the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. He lives in Jenkintown with his wife, Karel Kovnat, Ph.D., ABPP, who is Adler Imaging’s CEO and Director of Neuropsychological Research, where she focuses on providing an exceptional and comforting experience for patients. This is important because PET and PET/CT scans provide better, more detailed and accurate information when patients are relaxed and comfortable.
Karel D. Kovnat, Ph.D, ABPP
Karel Kovnat, Ph.D., ABPP is the CEO and Director of Neuropsychological Research at Adler Institute for Advanced Imaging and President and Founder of KDK Scientific. She is passionate about making advancements that improve the quality of life for her patients and clients. Specializing in the clinical and research aspects of neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease along with other chronic diseases, she brings an extensive background in research and clinical experience to all aspects of her work with individuals and families.
Dr. Kovnat received her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1987 and is Board Certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology. She has since worked in both the public and private practice sectors and held various teaching positions, at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She is licensed to practice Psychology in the state of North Carolina, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the state of Ohio.
Dr. Kovnat is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Pennsylvania Pyschological Association, and the Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychologists. She serves as the Chair of the Government Relations Advisory Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Her research on gastrointestinal disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments, and cognitive-behavioral therapy has appeared in seven publications. She and her companies have been awarded over one million dollars in research, goods, and services grants.
Sarah Lopez is the Medical Office Receptionist and Scheduler, she is a certified Medical Assistant and brings over 5 years of clinical and administrative experience in the healthcare field to her role at Adler Imaging.
Matt Moran is the Chief PET/CT Technologist who is board certified in radiology and nuclear medicine. He earned a BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Matt leverages his previous experience and education to provide the highest level of care for patients at Adler Imaging.
Linda Morrow serves as the Office Manager and a certified Medical Assistant, Linda has almost twenty years of experience in office management.
Joi Murphy is a PET/CT technologist who is board certified in Nuclear Medicine. She earned her B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Joi uses her interpersonal and technological skills to provide excellent care to the patients who visit Adler Imaging.
Amy Paccapaniccia, PA-C, is a Licensed Physician Assistant and functions as the Research Coordinator at Adler Imaging. In this capacity, she manages all ongoing research studies. The majority of her work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. She received both her Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and her Master's degree of Physician Assistant Studies at Duquesne University.
Heather Portland, Head Medical Office Receptionist, earned an associate degree in nursing from Bucks County Community College. She has over fifteen years background as a dedicated medical administrative professional.
Staff members and technicians at the Adler Institute are well-trained professionals committed to a high standard of patient care. Any time you have questions or need assistance, please let us know how we can help.