Leading neuroradiologist, Dr. Leo Wolansky, is the newly appointed chair of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapeutics. He joins UConn Health on March 31 from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Wolansky will oversee all patient imaging services provided by faculty and staff at UConn Health, while serving as its clinical neuroradiology subspecialist.

“I am delighted to be returning to the Northeast to take on this exciting new leadership role,” said Wolansky. “My goal is to continue the good administrative and clinical work of the former chair, while developing new educational and research opportunities.”

Wolansky’s neuroimaging research has focused on enhancing understanding of multiple sclerosis, brain tumors and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, making sure patient safety is guaranteed. Also, he has recently published on the use of “computer assisted diagnosis” to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

“Dr. Wolansky is widely known for his neuroimaging expertise, creativity and innovative thinking,” said Dr. Bruce T. Liang, dean of UConn School of Medicine. “We are pleased that he will be leading our imaging enterprise and sharing his clinical, research and educational skills with our institution.”

He launched his neuroradiology career in Connecticut as a fellow at Yale New Haven Hospital having previously earned his undergraduate degree at Columbia University and obtaining his medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Wolansky then joined the faculty at New Jersey Medical School becoming professor of radiology and chief of MRI. He was one of two principal investigators of the BECOME Trial analyzing 1,200 MRI scans of multiple sclerosis patients which influenced future patient care.

In 2012 he became professor of radiology at Case Western Reserve where he led research in the use of the hybrid imaging modality PET-MRI. At Case, he was twice-voted ‘Teacher of the Year’ and was promoted to acting chief of its Division of Neuroradiology in 2015.

“I look forward to joining UConn Health at this exciting time of growth,” said Wolansky. “I hope to apply a lifetime of experience to help patients, train specialists of tomorrow and facilitate research collaborations at this cutting-edge institution.”

Wolansky has trained thousands of imagers through the creation of national and international radiology courses. He is on the scientific committee of the Radiological Society of North America and has consulted with industry on over 70 clinical trials.

“Having starting my neuroradiology career in Connecticut, I’m returning home,” said Wolansky.