FDA’s 1st medical device cybersecurity director; new VA chief of imaging, and more radiology moves

Kevin Fu recently became the first-ever acting director of medical device cybersecurity in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the agency announced this month.

The University of Michigan associate professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences will oversee the safety and effectiveness of medical devices, such as imaging machines, pacemakers, insulin pumps, and other electronic devices.

Fu will retain his role at the Ann Arbor-based university during his 12-month role that began on Jan. 1.

“Today’s medical devices rely on software and the cloud to a much greater extent than they did even a few years ago. Virtually all medical devices depend on software, which wears out much faster than mechanical components,” Fu said in a recent Q&A with the university.  “Updating legacy medical device software is a huge challenge.”

RSNA seeks an editor for its flagship journal

The Radiological Society of North America on Tuesday announced that David Bluemke, MD, PhD, is stepping down from his longtime role as editor of its flagship journal Radiology. Bluemke will relinquish his title at the end of next year.

As a result of the departure, RSNA is now hanging up its help wanted sign. Jeffrey S. Klein, MD, the society’s board liaison for publications and communications, is chairing a committee to help RSNA’s Board find a new editor. The plan is to fill the position by December, transition the candidate into the editor-designate role by summer 2022, and move into the editor position by January 2023.

"The RSNA Board of Directors appreciates the outstanding contributions David Bluemke has made as editor of Radiology," RSNA President Mary C. Mahoney, MD, said in a statement. "As we begin the search for his successor, RSNA hopes to build on his legacy and maintain the highest standards of excellence in research and communication for our flagship journal."

Interested physicians can read the job description here and email their applications to Klein at  editorsearch@rsna.org.

New imaging leadership at Women & Infants Hospital in Rhode Island

Robert C. Ward, MD, was recently named associate chief of diagnostic imaging at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.

Ward is fellowship-trained in women’s imaging, specializing in breast and interventional imaging, including ultrasound-guided cryoablation of breast tumors. He is currently an assistant professor, clinical educator and program director of the Breast Imaging Fellowship Program at Brown University’s school of medicine.

VA announces new chief of imaging

Marian VA Health Care System last week named Daniel. R. Fulk, DO, as its new chief of imaging services.

Fulk will lead radiological care at the system, which provides services for nearly 43,000 veterans in Southern Illinois, southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky.

Prior to his decade as a practicing radiologist, Fulk served in the U.S. Navy for four years as flight surgeon for Training Air Wing One in Meridian, Mississippi, according to the Southern Illinoisan.

Below are more radiologist job changes you may have missed.

  • Nancy Uhls, a certified nuclear medicine technologist, was promoted to the Kentucky Board for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy. She is the first African American to hold this position.
  • International neuroradiology “thought leader” Edmond Knopp, MD, joined Hyperfine Research as the startup’s senior medical director.
  • The American Roentgen Ray Society announced Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology Professor Sanjeev Bhalla, MD, as its 2021 Distinguished Educator.
  • Jeff Sorenson stepped down as chief executive of advanced visualization and AI software developer TeraRecon. Romesh Wadhawani, chairman of TeraRecon’s parent company SymphonyAI, will assume the role of interim CEO.
  • Desert Radiology, which bills itself as Nevada’s largest rad practice, added two veteran physicians to its team, Osman M. Tahir, DO, and Sameer Rehman, MD.
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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.

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