WVU School of Medicine announces new Department of Neuroradiology
In order to continue the integration of neurological care, research and education, the West Virginia University School of Medicine has established a new Department of Neuroradiology in the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, effective October 1.
Ansaar T. Rai, M.D., M.B.A., neurointerventional radiologist and professor of neuroradiology, neurosurgery and neurology will chair the Department.
“We have a mission to advance knowledge of the nervous system through imaging and to use that knowledge for delivering targeted therapies in the head, neck and spine,” Dr. Rai said. “This is a bold initiative that truly integrates all components of neurosciences under one roof, and I’m grateful and excited to help lead the charge.”
According to Dr. Rai, the ability to image not only the brain but also the mind is providing unprecedented understanding into the functioning of the nervous system and cognition.
“The new Department of Neuroradiology is among the first established in the country and will be a model for the future,” said Ali Rezai, M.D., executive chair of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. “The Department has a visionary leader in Ansaar. Dr. Rai is an innovator in his field, and we look forward to working with him in partnership with the RNI chairs in neurology, neurosurgery and behavioral medicine to improve the quality of life and function of those affected by neurological conditions.”
The new department has a nationally-recognized neurointerventional program for state-of-the-art management and research of cerebrovascular disorders such as stroke.
The Department of Neuroradiology will continue to expand faculty and training opportunities, including maintaining accredited fellowships in Diagnostic Neuroradiology and Endovascular Neurosurgery.
“The formation of the Department of Neuroradiology is a perfect example how WVU responds to healthcare needs, research collaborations and educational opportunities to provide the best of each to patients, providers and researchers,” Clay Marsh, M.D., WVU Health Sciences vice president and executive dean, said.
Dr. Rai is board-certified in Neuroradiology by the American Board of Radiology and in Endovascular Neurosurgery by the Congress of Neurosurgeons. He has more than 15 years of experience in delivering care and served as the medical director of WVU Medicine’s Neurointerventional Services.
He has published extensively on endovascular treatment of stroke, cerebral aneurysms and health economics, has served on multiple committees related to stroke care, is part of and has led several clinical trials and has organized many scientific conferences around neurointerventional medicine. He is the current secretary for the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery.
Dr. Rai completed both his fellowship and residency training at WVU.
For more information on the WVU School of Medicine, visit medicine.wvu.edu.
About the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI)
We are improving lives by pioneering advances in brain health. With the latest technologies, an ecosystem of partners, and a truly integrated approach, we are making tangible progress. Our breakthroughs in neuroscience and human performance among athletes and the military in turn strengthen our efforts to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction to Alzheimer’s, benefiting the people of West Virginia, neighboring states, and beyond. Learn more about the RNI’s first-in-the-world clinical trials and the top caliber experts joining us in our mission. The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute: Breaking Barriers.
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cat 9/27/19
CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU School of Medicine
304-293-3412, cassie.thomas@hsc.wvu.edu