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Vasken Dilsizian, MD; Guest Editor, Journal Nuclear Cardiology

Please allow me to share with you excerpts from the letter sent by Virginia Pappas, CAE, SNMMI Chief Executive Officer to E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine on May 12, 2017.

“On behalf of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), we are excited to inform you that Vasken Dilsizian, MD, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, was elected as the incoming SNMMI Vice President Elect beginning June 15, 2017.

This prestigious position is one that has been held by only 63 other luminaries in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. To be considered for this position an individual must have the capacity to inspire a shared vision for the organization and the field as well as the ability to engage and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary setting as SNMMI works to improve human health by advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and radionuclide therapy. In addition, the individual must exhibit the core values that SNMMI shares; excellence in patient care, ethical behavior and integrity, respect for all people and ideas, fostering inquire and reflection, be a visionary leader, excellence, professionalism and collaboration and lifelong learning. Final candidates are presented to the voting members of the SNMMI during the national election.

Dr. Dilsizian was recognized as an individual who not only met the qualifications, but exceeded them, as illustrated by the results of the election. Dr. Dilsizian has served as a member of the SNMMI Board of Directors since 2013 on the SNMMI House of Delegates since 2012 and as a member of the Cardiovascular Council since 2009 and as President of the Cardiovascular Council in 2013. In addition, he served on the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Editorial Board for 6 years and as the chair of the SNMMI Membership Committee for the past 3 years. Dr. Dilsizian was also the recipient of the 2014 SNMMI Hermann Blumgart Award; the highest award and honor bestowed by the Cardiovascular Council of the SNMMI. These are just some examples of Dr. Dilsizian’s continuous engagement within the SNMMI. His expertise, leadership and direction have assisted the SNMMI in achieving many of the goals set forth within the strategic plan.

Dr. Dilsizian will serve as Vice-President Elect from 2017 to 2018, President-Elect from 2018 to 2019 and SNMMI President from 2019 to 2020. His final year will be from 2020 to 2021 as Immediate Past President.

We hope that you will join us in applauding Dr. Dilsizian for this significant accomplishment. We are excited to welcome him to the SNMMI Leadership and SNMMI Executive Committee.”

On behalf of the Journal of Nuclear Cardiology, I extend our heart-felt gratitude and congratulation to Vasken for this most deserving achievement.

Ami E. Iskandrian, MD, MASNC

Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Nuclear Cardiology