Cancer institute’s new molecular imaging expert; Rural system hires radiology director, and more leadership news
One of the largest cancer programs in Southern California recently tapped Gary A. Ulaner, MD, PhD, a noted nuclear medicine expert, to help lead its new molecular imaging and therapy program.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute hired Ulaner away from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where he served as the PET/CT expert on breast cancer and myeloma disease management teams.
Ulaner, board-certified in radiology and nuclear medicine, will bring with him multiple clinical trials currently underway using molecular imaging to target cancer at a cellular level and plans to conduct future research on the use of targeted radiation therapy to treat cancer.
“There have been tremendous recent advancements in cancer therapies which ‘target’ a specific molecule on the cancer cell,” Ulaner told the Newport Beach Independent on Jan. 18. “I am so happy to help bring these advanced trials to Orange County, and specifically, the Hoag community.”
Rural healthcare system taps new radiology leadership
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has hired Bryan Beckedahl as its new director of radiology, the Watertown, South Dakota-based organization announced Sunday.
Beckedahl brings more than 13 years of experience to the independent health system which operates 81 acute care hospital beds in the Mount Rushmore State and west-central Minnesota.
As a 35-year cancer survivor, he also understands the healthcare experience from both the patient and professional perspectives.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the director of radiology at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System,” Beckedahl said in a statement. “I was attracted to PLHS due to its positive culture, professionalism, and work ethic of the staff. We have made great progress in offering multiple radiology procedures and biopsies, and are always looking for new ways to offer more services.”
Johns Hopkins radiologist joins imaging research firm
Renowned Johns Hopkins radiology professor Elliot K. Fishman, MD, has been appointed to the scientific advisory board at Imaging Endpoints, a research company focused on clinical trials.
In addition to his professorship, Fishman is also the director of diagnostic imaging and body CT at Johns Hopkins’ Department of Radiology and Radiological Science. In his new role, Fishman will provide strategic insight to help Imaging Endpoints develop new technologies and design and implement imaging into clinical trials.
“Dr. Fishman is one of the preeminent thinkers in the field of imaging and body computed tomography,” Doug Burkett, PhD, CEO of the Scottsdale, Arizona-based company, said in a statement. “We are privileged to add his insight and influence to our advisory board. His expertise will assist us in our efforts to lead the field of 3D imaging, and he will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our position at the top of the global imaging CRO field.”
Here are more radiology job changes, in bite-sized format.
- Shilpa Reddy, MD, has been appointed interventional radiology section chief at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, according to a Jan. 14 Twitter post.
- Independent imaging practice coalition Strategic Radiology has hired Scott Bundy, MD, as its new chairman and CEO.
- Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital announced its beloved Radiology Director, Brenda Tonkin, will retire after 34 years with the Weston, West Virginia-based institution. Chris Gum, a longtime radiology technician, also recently retired from the hospital.
- Radiology provider Envision Healthcare on Tuesday appointed Patrick Velliky as the medical group’s new vice president of governmental affairs, effective Feb. 1.
- Stephen Davies, MD, announced his retirement as group medical director from U.K.-based teleradiology services provider Medica.
- Healthcare services giant Tenet Healthcare has rounded out its board by appointing retired four-star Admiral Cecil D. Haney as its 13th director.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.