University of Oklahoma names new radiology chair

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine on Tuesday named a new leader of its Department of Radiological Sciences following a competitive national search. 

Javier Villanueva-Meyer, MD, is slated to take on the title in September, also acting as clinical service chief of radiology at OU Health, the school’s academic hospital system. A trained neuroradiologist, he joins the Oklahoma City-based institution by way of the University of California, San Francisco. 

There, he served as associate professor of radiology, vice chair of quality and technology in the department, and medical director for radiology quality and safety and UCSF Health. 

“Dr. Villanueva-Meyer is an accomplished neuroradiologist and an operational leader who understands where modern radiology is headed,” Ian F. Dunn, MD, executive dean of the college of medicine and OU Health’s chief physician executive, said in a statement June 23. “His experience building academic programs, developing faculty and bringing emerging technology into patient care aligns directly with our aspirations for this department. He will be a tremendous addition to our community.”

Villanueva-Meyer follows in the footsteps of Anthony Alleman, MD, MPH, who has chaired the department for more than a decade, and David Teague, MD, who has acted as interim chair during the transition. His appointment is still subject to approval by the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, OU said Tuesday. Villanueva-Meyer additionally will hold educational and research responsibilities at the school.

His appointment comes at a “pivotal time” for the department, the university noted. Radiology sits at the “center of modern clinical care,” serving as the “foundation for discovery,” education and the used of advanced technology including AI, theranostics and precision medicine. Villanueva-Meyer’s research has focused on brain tumor and neuro imaging and PET/MRI, with his work gaining international recognition. He is known for integrating emerging technology into clinical practice and has earned NIH support for his research, authoring over 160 peer-reviewed publications. 

Villanueva-Meyer earned his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed his diagnostic radiology residency at UCSF. He is board certified and holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in neuroradiology. 

“I am honored to join OU Health and the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine at such a pivotal moment for our field,” Villanueva-Meyer said in the announcement. “The department has a strong foundation anchored by talented faculty and a deep commitment to its patients and its mission. I look forward to working alongside this team to advance discovery, strengthen education and ensure the people of Oklahoma have access to the most advanced imaging care available.”