Radiologist recognized for accomplishments in cardiovascular imaging research
Pamela K. Woodard, MD, has been named the inaugural Hugh Monroe Wilson Professor of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis for her accomplishments in cardiovascular imaging and research.
Woodard was recognized for her contributions at Washington University’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology and for being one of the lead investigators for a trial that established a new standard of care of the diagnosis of blood clots in the lungs, according to a recent university news release.
At the university, Woodard serves as senior vice chair and division director of the Radiology Research Facilities, director of the Center for Clinical Imaging Research, head of Advanced Cardiac Imaging CT/MRI and director of the Radiology Research Residency Program.
She is also a professor of biomedical engineering at the university with a focus on the imaging of atherosclerotic plaques to understand how inflammation affects plaques.
Additionally, she holds several patents for atherosclerosis imaging agents and has led a team to develop a PET radiotracer that detects a protein associated with plaques that may cause heart attack or stroke. She is also leading a clinical trial to evaluate the tracer in people is involved in evaluating new PET agents to assess blood flow through heart muscle.
Adding to her accomplishments, Woodard is also a fellow of the American College of Radiology, the American Heart Association, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging. She has also been been named an Academy of Radiology Research Distinguished Investigator.
“Hugh Monroe Wilson recognized that basic science and engineering drive advances in radiology that refine diagnostic capabilities and help us provide the best possible care for patients,” Mark S. Wrighton, chancellor of Washington University, said in the news release. “I am pleased that the inaugural holder of this professorship is Pamela Woodard, a gifted physician whose contributions to cardiovascular imaging are changing the way we practice medicine. In holding this professorship, she carries on a legacy of innovation and leadership.”
A recent graduate from Dominican University (IL) with a bachelor’s in journalism, Melissa joined TriMed’s Chicago team in 2017 covering all aspects of health imaging. She’s a fan of singing and playing guitar, elephants, a good cup of tea, and her golden retriever Cooper.