The familiar scene of physicians crowding around a view box to examine X-ray film one day will be just a memory at UCLA. That's because the Department of Radiological Sciences, led by its new chairman, Dieter Enzmann, is converting to all-digital medical imaging.

Enzmann will guide radiology through this conversion over the next couple of years, prior to the 2004 opening of the university's all-digital replacement hospital. Enzmann, who joined UCLA in January, likes to describe digital radiology as an environment in which "any type of image is available anytime, anywhere - and fast."

"There are many advantages of an all-digital environment, including better image manipulation and interpretation," he said. "But the biggest advantage is that it speeds information dissemination and decision-making."

One limitation of film is that a doctor must view it in person. And if multiple copies of the film are created, the hospital has to deal with filing and database management.

"The solution is to go digital and have all the images in a database," Enzmann said. "Distribution is just a matter of having computer workstations available. And I believe good patient care is accelerated."

Going all-digital is an essential step in Enzmann's efforts to bolster his department's national prominence.

"Our goal is to make this department one of the top 10 radiology departments in the country, matching the stature of UCLA Medical Center as a whole," he said. "That means expanding on our current research strengths and upgrading our technology so we're truly state-of-the-art."

Married with three daughters - two in college and a 31/2-year-old at home - Enzmann previously chaired the Department of Radiology at Chicago's Northwestern University School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Stanford and completed his residency and internship at Stanford University Medical Center, then went to UC San Francisco for his fellowship in neuroradiology. After finishing his fellowship, Enzmann joined the Stanford faculty in 1977.

At UCLA, Enzmann focuses on enhancing the department's computed tomography and magnetic-resonance imaging facilities and information technology systems. The teleradiology program will continue to mature, enabling UCLA's doctors to interpret images sent electronically to them from rural areas and Third World countries.

UCLA also will expand in the area of interventional radiology, in which physicians perform minimally invasive procedures to treat cardiovascular problems and cancer.

But it's not all work for Enzmann. To relax, he likes to read and is interested in color photography, especially abstracts and landscapes. So far, he's been too busy in Los Angeles to pursue his passion for aquatic sports, but he hopes that will change soon.

"When I can, I try to windsurf," he said. "I love to do that - just get out on the water."