After an extensive nationwide search, David M. Naeger, MD, FACR, FAAR, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Department of Radiology at Dartmouth Health, including positions at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics, and Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine.
Previously, Naeger was a key figure at Denver Health, Denver’s essential safety net healthcare provider and top-tier Level I trauma center, where he served as Director of Radiology since 2019. He led a team of 160 professionals, managing the department’s clinical, research, and educational initiatives. His academic role extended to Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver Health’s academic affiliate.
During his leadership at Denver Health, Naeger spearheaded significant advancements including the renovation of the Interventional Radiology program, marked by the creation of a state-of-the-art combined CT/angio suite, a first for Colorado. He also initiated and guided the launch of a sophisticated outpatient imaging center, now handling over 100,000 imaging exams annually.
In his new role, Naeger will oversee the strategic, operational, and management aspects of the Department of Radiology. He will enhance collaboration across Dartmouth Health System hospitals, enriching clinical, academic, and research programs. At Geisel, his responsibilities will encompass faculty development and mentoring, promoting academic growth, and nurturing a culture of excellence and scholarly inquiry among physicians, practitioners, students, and staff.
Expressing mixed emotions about his transition, Naeger stated, “While it’s tough to leave my Denver Health family, I am captivated by the dynamism, skill, and passion of the Dartmouth Health radiology team. I am excited and honored to be part of such a dedicated group that is so focused on patient care.”
Naeger’s educational background includes a medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine, a residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of California, San Francisco, where he was Chief Resident, followed by a research fellowship and two clinical fellowships focusing on cardiothoracic imaging and nuclear medicine. Before his tenure at Denver Health, he was an Associate Professor at the University of California, San Francisco, where he held several prominent educational leadership roles and was honored with the UCSF Academic Senate Distinction in Teaching Award, among other accolades. He is also recognized nationally and internationally as a specialist in cardiothoracic imaging, particularly in lung cancer imaging.
Naeger is set to start his new position in August 2024, succeeding Jocelyn Chertoff, MD, who retired from the role.
About Dartmouth Health and the Geisel School of Medicine
Dartmouth Health is known for its comprehensive healthcare services and pioneering medical research, while the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth stands as one of the nation’s leading medical schools, recognized for its commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare leaders. Together, they collaborate to provide exceptional medical education and patient care.
About Dr. Leslie Scout
Dr. Leslie Scout is a distinguished radiologist whose career spans various prestigious institutions. Known for her innovative approaches in medical imaging, Dr. Scout has contributed significantly to advancements in the field, particularly in developing and refining diagnostic techniques that improve patient outcomes.
Sources:
- News Source: Dartmouth Health News
- Institution Source: Dartmouth Health
- School Source: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth