University of Cincinnati names new radiology chair

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine on Friday named Achala Vagal, MD, as the next chair of its radiology department following an “extensive” national search. 

Vagal will begin the role on Aug. 1, bringing more than two decades of experience serving the same school. During her tenure, she has built a reputation as a “collaborative leader, excellent clinician, innovative researcher and dedicated mentor,” UC said. Vagal currently is a tenured professor at the university, also serving as executive vice chair and VC of research in the department. 

She succeeds Mary Mahoney, MD, who was appointed as UC radiology chair in 2016. 

“Dr. Vagal is a visionary leader whose unwavering dedication to high-quality patient care, translational research and mentorship epitomizes UC’s mission,” radiologist Gregory C. Postel, MD, dean of the college of medicine, said in a July 11 announcement. “Her strategic leadership and collaborative spirit, combined with her deep understanding of our institution, will undoubtedly propel our department of radiology and our broader academic health enterprise to new heights.”

Vagal  previously served as acting chair in 2023 during a “critical period of UC Health system transformation.” She will continue as co-director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training. Under her leadership as vice chair of research since 2016, the department has undergone “remarkable transformation,” UC said. This has included revitalizing its research infrastructure and “significantly” increasing outside funding. Her research has focused on imaging biomarkers and brain health in clinical trials via large-scale population studies, the university noted. 

UC’s new chair has previously held other leadership roles including director of the National Imaging Management Center for NIH StrokeNet. There, she has led the imaging core lab for large, multicenter clinical trials. Vagal also serves on the board and is officer secretary of the American Society of Neuroradiology, among other designations. Her research has earned several national honors, among them, the Stroke Innovation Award at the 2019 International Stroke Conference and the same year’s Women in Leadership Award from the ASNR Foundation. Along with research, Vagal is “deeply committed to mentorship,” the university noted, having guided over 40 trainees. 

“It's a tremendous honor to step into the role of chair for the department of radiology, a department I have been deeply invested in for more than 20 years,” Vagal said in the announcement. “I am excited to build upon our strong foundation and lead with a focus on people, processes and infrastructure. My vision is to cultivate an environment that attracts and retains top talent, pioneers clinical AI integration, fosters transformative research and prioritizes a supportive experience for both our patients and health care teams.”