For Immediate Release
Contact: Abena Foreman-Trice
(434) 243-2734

NEW RADIOLOGY CHAIR TO BRING INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES TO PATIENTS AT UVA HEALTH SYSTEM

A leading researcher in the non-invasive treatment of heart and blood vessel disease, who has gained international recognition for his development of a stent-grafting technique, has been appointed chairperson of the Department of Radiology at the University of Virginia Health System. Dr. Michael D. Dake comes to U.Va. from Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto , Ca., where he currently serves as chief of cardiovascular and interventional radiology. He begins his new job at U.Va. on Jan. 3, 2005.

Dake is known for his pioneering work in the development of treatments for arterial disease (hardening of the arteries) and venous disease, which occurs when veins become blocked. Dake has numerous patents on devices used for endovascular intervention and has been the primary investigator on numerous research projects. He is currently National Principal Investigator, for the Zilver-Coated Stent Trial for artery disease in the leg. One of Dake’s primary research goals is to enhance the development of molecular imaging. 

“We look forward to working with someone so accomplished in the field of medical imaging who wants to take this research to the next level,” said Dr. Arthur Garson, vice president and dean of the U.Va. School of Medicine . “Dr. Dake will catapult our already strong imaging capability and add expertise applicable to a number of areas such as cancer, heart disease and diseases of the nervous system.” 

“I’m energized about coming to a place that is well-known for its cutting edge approach to patient care and research,” added Dake.    

A graduate of Harvard College , Dake went on to earn his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. He received his residency training in internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and in pulmonary medicine at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). Subsequently, he completed a radiology residency and fellowship training in interventional radiology at UCSF. Dake holds 14 U.S. patents and has authored over 300 journal publications and over 70 book chapters. He currently is the Associate Editor of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He holds several significant editorial positions and has received numerous national and international awards and honors.

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December 21, 2004