Today, the Department of Radiology announced that Brent Savoie, MD, JD, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Cardiothoracic Imaging Section Chief, will succeed Jeff Carr, MD, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, as Vice Chair of Informatics, effective January 2020.
Over the next couple months, Dr. Savoie will work with Dr. Carr in a transition period that will prepare him to lead the implementation of the Medical Center’s new, state-of-the-art Epic Radiant Radiology Information System and Sectra Enterprise PACS next fall.
“I believe now is the time to transition the leadership of Radiology Informatics for the next ‘big thing,’” said Dr. Carr. “Dr. Savoie’s formal training in informatics and experience in industry paired with his extensive knowledge, thoughtful nature and interpersonal communication skills make him an outstanding choice.”
Dr. Carr’s decision to step down comes after seven years as Vice Chair of Informatics, overseeing the planning and implementation of large, department- and enterprise-wide projects such as integrating the outpatient and inpatient PACS, replacing the diagnostic viewing workstations, Epic eStar go-live and helping plan the Medical Center’s PACS strategy. He will continue to serve as faculty in the Cardiothoracic Imaging section, and plans to be fully engaged in clinical research, including projects related to artificial intelligence and computational fluid dynamics moving forward.
“The past seven years have been very rewarding in what we have been able to accomplish through a strong partnership with HealthIT,” said Dr. Carr. “I am thankful for the opportunities provided to me in this role, and believe Vanderbilt is ideally positioned for the rapid changes occurring in medicine with regard to imaging. I know Dr. Savoie will be an outstanding leader to take us into an exciting future in his new role.”
“I would like to thank Dr. Carr for his service and contributions to the department and Medical Center the past several years,” added Reed Omary, MD, MS, Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and Chair, Department of Radiology. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact Dr. Savoie will make as he takes on the position.”
Dr. Savoie earned his MD from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. He completed his radiology residency training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where his research focused on the intersection of medical informatics and regulatory law. He subsequently returned to VUMC for a fellowship in cardiothoracic imaging, and joined Vanderbilt as cardiothoracic imaging faculty in 2017.