In order to adapt to new opportunities in the Heersink School of Medicine and to recognize two outstanding leaders in the Department of Radiology, Cheri Canon M.D., FACR, FAAWR, FSAR, proudly announces that Suzanne Lapi, Ph.D., will be named the vice chair of Research and Andrew Smith, M.D., Ph.D., will be the inaugural vice chair of Innovation.

As vice chair for Research, Dr. Lapi's role will expand to oversee the basic science, translational and clinical research portfolio in Radiology including strategic planning, mentoring and pilot initiatives. She will also represent the Department of Radiology for new research initiatives both within UAB and externally and will ensure alignment of the Department’s research goals with both Radiology and Heersink leadership. Dr. Lapi will be a resource for faculty and staff for all research matters including project development, grant writing, collaborations and experimental activities and will work closely with Morgan Amos and research administration to nurture and grow the program.

“I am thrilled to expand my role in the department and to work with our outstanding faculty and staff to grow our research portfolio and enhance collaborations in the Department of Radiology and the Heersink School of Medicine” said Dr. Lapi.

As vice chair for Innovation, Dr. Smith will oversee innovation and commercialization of inventions in Radiology.  He will represent the Department of Radiology on the UAB Entrepreneurship Development Committee and with the Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HIIE). Dr. Smith will assure departmental alignment with the Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation and foster UAB Radiology interests in innovation with industry and partnering research institutions. He will work with Dr. Canon to provide current and future faculty with assistance in invention disclosures, external activities, conflicts of commitment, conflicts of interest, small business grants, licensing of innovations, and startup companies. Dr. Smith will host quarterly entrepreneurship rounds and introduce faculty to a variety of opportunities that foster innovation.

“The faculty and staff in the Department of Radiology are highly innovative in their pursuit of excellence in clinical care, research, and education, and I am excited to facilitate change and opportunities in innovation” said Dr. Smith.

We look forward to the future with these expanded and new roles which will continue to propel the department’s mission, vision, and goals.