Andrew Karellas, PhD, DABR, FAAPM, FACR, Professor of Medical Imaging and Vice Chair of Faculty Development, has announced his retirement on November 28 after a highly distinguished academic career. Over the past 39 years, Dr. Karellas has served continuously on the faculties of the University of Massachusetts, Emory University, and the University of Arizona. Over the past nearly six years at the UA, Dr. Karellas has directed the Biomedical Imaging Innovation & Clinical Translation in Next-Gen CT program pursuing remarkable developments in the physics and clinical translational aspects of breast CT in collaboration with Professor Srinivasan Vedantham. Professor Vedantham will assume leadership of the program upon Dr. Karellas’ s retirement.
In addition to his scientific innovation and leadership, Dr. Karellas has provided invaluable leadership to the Department of Medical Imaging as Vice Chair of Faculty Development, supporting the professional development of our faculty and chairing our departmental Appointments and Promotions Committee. I am delighted to announce that Professor Maria Altbach, who brings a wealth of leadership and faculty development experience, has agreed to assume this critical role in support of our faculty and will serve within the newly titled role of Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs.
Dr. Karellas received his PhD from UCLA in Medical Physics. He has received numerous honors and awards. He is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology (2012), a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (2001), and a member of Sigma Xi (1984). He received a Dedicated Service Recognition Award as a Deputy Editor for Medical Physics, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Upstate New York Association of Physicists in Medicine, and a Lifetime Service Award from the American Board of Radiology. He was also recognized as an “SPIE Senior Member,” a distinction awarded for his significant contributions, active involvement, and service to the general optics and photonics community and his contributions to relevant technologies.
Dr. Karellas has been a wonderful colleague and visionary leader in the Department of Medical Imaging. I know you will join me in thanking him for his service to the department and the university. We will celebrate Dr, Karellas’ s career during a reception on Friday, Nov. 18th, between 2 – 4 pm in the DMI offices in HSIB.