The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) today named Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, as its CEO effective July 1. A diagnostic radiologist specializing in breast imaging, Dr. Smetherman is chair of the Department of Radiology and Associate Medical Director for Medical Specialties at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and a past member of the Ochsner Health System Board of Directors. As the ACR completes its centennial celebration, Dr. Smetherman becomes its first female CEO.
"It is an honor and a tremendous responsibility to be asked to lead this great organization and our profession through an ever-changing medical landscape,” said incoming CEO Smetherman. “I am excited to build on the strong ACR leadership tradition and work with ACR volunteers, members and staff to advance the radiology specialty.”
Dr. Smetherman is currently the secretary-treasurer of the ACR and a member of its Board of Chancellors. She also served as chair of the ACR Breast Commission, ACR councilor from Louisiana, chair of the ACR Breast Imaging Economics Committee, president of the Radiological Society of Louisiana, board member for the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers, the American Roentgen Ray Society advisor and alternative advisor to the American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology® (CPT®) Panel, and chair of the Technical Exhibits Committee of the Radiological Society of North America.
“Doctor Smetherman is recognized as an outstanding leader by those in radiology and beyond,” said Jacqueline A. Bello, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors. “ACR volunteer leaders are proud to have a CEO with a wealth of skills, abilities and experience to work with, shoulder-to-shoulder, for years to come.”
Smetherman succeeds radiology luminary William T. Thorwarth Jr., MD, FACR, who will retire June 30, after more than 10 years of service. As CEO, Dr. Thorwarth guided the College through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the creation and distribution of resources to help members and their practices. In addition, he oversaw the launch of the ACR Data Science Institute®.
“Doctor Smetherman has long worked to ensure patients have access to the highest-quality radiologic care,” said Dr. Thorwarth, current ACR CEO. “I know she will continue to provide outstanding leadership for ACR on behalf of radiology professionals and those we serve.”
Smetherman received her undergraduate degree from Harvard College and her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her internship in internal medicine and residency in diagnostic radiology at Ochsner Clinic Foundation.