Vanderbilt researcher Eduard Chekmenev, Ph.D., has been elected to the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) for his efforts to develop imaging markers for cancer and lung disease using hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Chekmenev, who holds dual citizenship in Russia and the United States, said that, to his knowledge, he is the first American scientist to receive the honorary title of Professor of the RAS. The official award ceremony will be held in Moscow on March 21.

Last weekend, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Department of Radiology faculty, residents and fellows, along with more than 100 leaders in radiology from across the state, attended the Tennessee Radiological Society’s (TRS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Franklin, Tenn. Organized by VUMC faculty, Ron Walker, M.D., the two-day meeting consisted of informational sessions and presentations, section meetings and more.

Abdominal radiologists are often asked to perform difficult percutaneous chest, abdomen, and pelvis biopsies and drainages with imaging guidance. Many of these procedures involve small target lesions far from the skin surface, in close proximity to critical structures. Organ location is changeable due to respiration, peristalsis, and pulsation, further complicating the planning process. High-level three-dimensional spatial awareness is critical to mastery of complex image-guided procedures.

This week, the Department of Radiology welcomed Ashley Billingsley as Manager, Faculty Affairs and Compliance. Ashley will be taking over for Ima Mosley who is retiring in March 31. Ashley started her career at Vanderbilt in 2004 as an accountant in Medical Center Finance. Most recently, she has managed day-to-day affairs for almost 600 faculty in the Dean’s Office of Arts & Sciences at Vanderbilt. Ashley received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Mississippi University for Women in 2002.  

This month, the Department of Radiology launched their new Communications and Design Team and welcomed Krystyna Barnard and Christy Latshaw as Communications Coordinators to lead the initiative.   The team was created out of the vision of Reed Omary, M.D., Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and Chair for the Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences.

Dr. Lucy Spalluto and Dr. Stephanie Spottswood, co-founders of the Vanderbilt University Women in Radiology group, have designed and implemented a Female Faculty Development Program for the Department of Radiology. This program aims to develop knowledgeable, successful, and confident women prepared to achieve career success and assume leadership positions. It consists of a series of educational modules designed to meet the needs of the female faculty in the department.

Paul Chang, MD Professor of Radiology Vice-Chair, Radiology Informatics Medical Director, Pathology Informatics University of Chicago School of Medicine Medical Director, Enterprise Imaging Medical Director, SOA Infrastructure University of Chicago Hospitals Grand Rounds Lecture "Meaningful IT Innovation to Support the Radiology Value Proposition: The Return of the “Doctor’s "