The Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology is among the largest academic radiology departments in the nation with 136 faculty (clinical and research), 57 residents and approximately 25 fellows in multiple disciplines. The department has ten divisions as follows: Abdominal, Breast imaging, Cardiothoracic, Community Radiology, Emergency Radiology, Vascular Interventional, Musculoskeletal, Interventional Neuroradiology, Neuroradiology, Nuclear Medicine and Pediatric; radiology faculty are also at the Veterans Administration Hospital. A large research group is active in the department.
The Radiology Department began in 1947 when Dr. Heinz Weens became the first chair of the Department of Radiology at Emory and chief of radiology at Grady Memorial Hospital. This event marks the first time in Emory history that Radiology was separated from Surgery. During his time as Chair, Dr. Weens developed the residency training program, was widely published and heavily involved with research creating a strong base for the department that Radiology has become today.
Dr. William Cassarella initiated is 23-year tenure as Chair of Radiology in 1981. He continued to develop the department by recruiting outstanding scientists and clinicians that were leaders in the field of radiology, building one of the premier residency training programs in the country, creating a high-tech, advanced outpatient radiology clinic and developing a filmless radiology system. Today, Dr. Casarella holds the position of professor of radiology and Executive Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Emory University School of Medicine.
A specialist in gastrointestinal radiology and liver imaging, Dr. Sanjay Saini came to Emory in 2004 to lead the department as Chair of Radiology. Dr. Saini's scientific expertise, strong foundation in business development and management helped to propel the department to the next level of achievement. During his chairmanship he contributed strong guidance to evaluate the workflow of radiology departments, cost reduction and improving quality of care.
In 2007, Dr. Carolyn C. Meltzer was named the Chair of the Department of Radiology. Her many contributions to academic medicine have arisen in part from her role as a critical bridge between basic investigation and clinical practice. She is also widely known for her lead role in the clinical evaluation of the first combined PET/CT scanner. Dr. Meltzer has been vice chair for research in Radiology at Emory, and her work focuses on research strategy in translational medicine and the Imaging Core Laboratories.
Dr. Meltzer's infinite energy is focused on creating a triple threat department firmly grounded in the three pillars of the Emory Radiology Department: Research, Education and Clinical Excellence. With this foundation she plans to lead the department to achieve and maintain Emory Radiology's position as a Destination Department, nationally recognized for excellence in the delivery and quality of clinical care, novel research developments, and dedication to training the next generation of technologist, physicians and scientists.