VUMC Radiology is happy to share that Jennifer Williams, MD, Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, has stepped into the role of Section Chief of Cardiothoracic Imaging, effective February 1.
Dr. Williams, who previously served as Associate Section Chief, succeeds Brent Savoie, MD, JD, who has recently accepted a new position at Navvis Healthcare. Dr. Savoie will remain with VUMC as faculty but will be passing the torch for his leadership roles.
“I look forward to supporting and contributing to the department in my new role as Section Chief,” Dr. Williams says. “I believe that a variety of factors have prepared me for this next step: Dr. Savoie’s leadership, my role as Associate Section Chief, over 15 years of experience in the department, and the contributions of the great individuals in Cardiothoracic Imaging.”
Reed Omary, MD, MS, Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Chair and Professor of the Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, is proud to see Dr. Williams enter the position.
“We are lucky to have Dr. Williams step into the leadership of the cardiothoracic section,” Dr. Omary says. “She is the perfect choice to help elevate our section to new heights.”
Dr. Savoie echoes his enthusiasm: “I’m very excited about Dr. Williams entering this role. She has been successfully managing many of the operational aspects of our section in her current role and will bring deep experience as she addresses new opportunities. Our department has grown rapidly over the past decade, which is a great testament to our leadership. With many new faces, her knowledge has become even more valuable.”
He continues: “Dr. Williams has the longest tenure of anyone in the Cardiothoracic section and has extensive professional relationships across departments. I've relied heavily on her expertise—as do many others. She is extremely effective in navigating operational logistics- which is increasingly important with the increased size and complexity of our department.”
Dr. Williams is a graduate of the University of North Carolina. She earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Williams completed a residency in Radiology at Lenox Hill Hospital and a fellowship in Cardiovascular Imaging at Carnegie Hill Radiology, both in New York City. She joined Vanderbilt faculty in 2007 as Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022.
As Dr. Williams takes the step up to Section Chief, she is grateful for the leadership of Dr. Savoie.
“Dr. Savoie has had such an instrumental role in the current success of not only the cardiothoracic section, but to the whole radiology department,” Dr. Williams says. “His leadership will be missed, and I have big shoes to fill. Luckily, he has provided a foundation for the future for all of us to lead and grow. He has been a great leader to learn from, a great colleague, and friend.”
