by Krystyna Barnard
LeAnn Stokes, MD, associate professor of Clinical Radiology, has been appointed section chief of Interventional Radiology (IR) in the Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Stokes will succeed Filip Banovac, MD, associate professor of Radiology, as section chief ahead of Banovac’s anticipated departure from Vanderbilt at the end of the academic year.
“I would really like to thank Dr. Banovac for his transformative leadership of the IR section over the last five years,” said Reed Omary, MD, MS, Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and chair or Radiology. “He has done a tremendous job moving the section forward and making Vanderbilt IR the strongest it has ever been. I am excited to welcome Dr. Stokes into the role and look forward to the future of the IR section under her leadership.”
A member of the IR section for the last 18 years, Stokes has had the opportunity to learn from — and work alongside — the two faculty who preceded her as IR section chief — Banovac and Steven Meranze, MD.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as section chief of IR,” said Stokes. “I have learned so much about leadership from both of them. I look forward to carrying on in their footsteps, and also bringing my own vision for the section.”
Stokes says that she looks forward to continued growth within the IR section as she evolves in her role.
“We have a more robust practice and group of technologists, nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians than ever before,” said Banovac. “I am very excited that Dr. Stokes has agreed to take on the role as the new section chief and I have full confidence that the section will continue to thrive under her leadership.”
Since joining Vanderbilt as faculty in 2003, Stokes has served in a number of leadership positions. Currently, she serves as radiology director of the Vanderbilt Vein Center and as radiology’s quality and patient safety director — a position she has held since 2010. Most recently, she was elected to represent the department as a member of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s Faculty Advisory Council.
“As an IR physician, and in my role as quality and patient safety director, one of my main goals has been to advocate for patients,” said Stokes. “One thing that I am most excited about is the ability to use this new leadership position to support my team in their efforts to provide the highest quality patient care.
“I cannot thank Dr. Banovac enough for his dedication and inspiration over the past five years,” added Stokes. “His significant contributions to the section and the department will be remembered and he will be missed by all of us.”
