University of Maryland names new radiology chair

The University of Maryland School of Medicine on May 14 named Tarek N. Hanna, MD, as the new chair of its department of radiology following a national search. 

A nationally recognized expert in emergency and trauma radiology, Hanna joins Maryland from Emory University in Atlanta, where he has worked since 2013. He is “highly regarded” as an academic leader in radiology, with research focused on optimizing emergency imaging operations and minimizing diagnostic errors, UMSOM noted. 

Hanna is slated to take on the role in September. He’ll be tasked with advancing clinical excellence, working to expand radiology services across central Maryland, and spearheading faculty recruitment to bolster research and other academic initiatives. 

“We are very excited to have Dr. Hanna join the school of medicine to launch this department into the future,” Mark T. Gladwin, MD, dean of the UMSOM, said in an announcement. “His track record in emergency and trauma radiology, along with his strategic vision for enhancing clinical operations and education, will be instrumental in advancing this department.”

Hanna also will serve as president of University of Maryland Diagnostic Imaging Specialists and chief of the specialty at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. In a few months, he’ll be installed as the Dean John M. Dennis Chair of Radiology, named after a prominent physician who led the department for 22 years. 

At Emory, Hanna is professor and vice chair of diagnostic radiology, along with division director of emergency and trauma imaging. During his time there, he has worked to optimize clinical operations, recruit and retain top talent across eight hospitals, and maintain turnaround times amid rising imaging volumes. His research interests include imaging resource utilization, the effects of shift work, and streamlining imaging timeliness in the emergency department. 

Hanna succeeds William Regine, MD, interim chair of the department, and Co-chair Bert O'Malley, MD. Elias R. Melhem, MD, served as chair of the department from 2012 to 2024, departing to take on the same title last year at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. 

UMSOM hailed Hanna as a “passionate” educator, mentoring dozens of students, trainees and junior faculty. He is “deeply committed” to advancing radiology education and training, along with fostering excellence in patient care. Hanna serves on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Emergency Radiology, and he is the incoming chair of the Emergency Radiology Committee for the American College of Radiology.

“It is an honor and delight to be selected as the chair of the University of Maryland Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine,” Hanna said in a statement. “From my first visit, I knew the department was a special place with a significant history, an extraordinary culture, and dedicated faculty and staff. I look forward to working closely with existing faculty and leaders to help grow and transform the department for the benefit of UM patients, faculty, and trainees.”