Omary named new chair of Radiology
Reed Omary, M.D., M.S., professor of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering and vice chair of Research for the Department of Radiology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, has been named chair of Vanderbilt’s Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences. He will assume the role in the fall.
Reed Omary, M.D., M.S.
Omary succeeds Jeremy Kaye, M.D., who is retiring as chair at the end of the academic year after serving in this role since 2007. Kaye also served as the department’s interim chair and vice chair after rejoining Vanderbilt’s faculty in 2000.
A distinguished translational physician-scientist, Omary is currently the principal investigator on two National Institutes of Health-funded RO1 research grants.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Omary lead one of the largest and most prolific departments at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and in the nation,” said Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.
“With constant advancements occurring within the field of imaging sciences, and the rapid pace of change at which patient care is delivered, his leadership will play a vital role in our future.”
C. Wright Pinson, MBA, M.D., deputy vice chancellor for Health Affairs and CEO of the Vanderbilt Health System, said Omary will help grow one of Vanderbilt’s top-performing core programs, providing the excellent service to patients that is one of the hallmarks of successful health care systems such as Vanderbilt’s.
“Dr. Omary’s arrival will ensure that the portfolio of our imaging services and the satisfaction of our patients continues to grow and flourish, helping propel our hospitals and clinics to the forefront,” Pinson said.
Omary is a 1991 graduate of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he took part in Northwestern’s prestigious six-year B.S/M.D. Honors Program in Medical Education.
After completing an internship in internal medicine at the University of New Mexico, he attended the University of Virginia's residency program in diagnostic radiology. At the University of Virginia, he also spent an extra year performing a research fellowship and obtaining a master’s degree in epidemiology. He returned to Northwestern University to complete his training as a fellow in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology.
His academic and administrative appointments at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine have included: director of the Interventional Radiology Research Laboratory; director of Research for the Department of Radiology; full membership in the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center; vice chair of Research for the Department of Radiology; and member of the International Institute for Nanotechnology.
Omary has served in leadership roles with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, the American Heart Association, the Society of Interventional Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America.
He is also the recipient of numerous awards associated with teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed research articles.
His appointment comes after a comprehensive national search chaired by Warren Sandberg, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, and staffed by David Raiford, M.D., associate vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and senior associate dean for Faculty Affairs, in partnership with a national search firm.
Omary will be joined in Nashville by his wife, Lesley Tarleton Omary, M.D., and their children Dylan, 3, and twins Layla and Wyatt, 9 months.
“I am thrilled and honored to be joining Vanderbilt. The spirit of innovation, set in such a collegial environment, is unparalleled,” Omary said.
“I am confident that the faculty and trainees of Radiology can work with the Medical Center to transform the practice of imaging, to cultivate a culture of innovative translational discovery, and to become the cradle of academic leaders.”