The University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine has announced the appointment of renowned Indian-American neuroradiologist Dr. Achala Vagal as the next chair of the Department of Radiology, effective August 1, 2025.
With a distinguished career spanning more than two decades at UC, Dr. Vagal steps into the role following an extensive national search and the successful tenure of outgoing chair Dr. Mary Mahoney.
Dr. Vagal is widely recognized for her leadership in stroke imaging, academic mentorship, and her pioneering contributions to neuroradiology.
She currently serves as the executive vice chair and vice chair of research within the Department of Radiology.
She will continue to hold her positions as associate dean of clinical and translational science and training and co-director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training (CCTST).
A Proven Leader in Academic Medicine
During a pivotal transition in 2023, Dr. Vagal served as acting chair of the department, guiding strategic improvements in operational efficiency, provider collaboration, and financial stewardship across UC Health.
Her appointment comes as a natural next step in a career marked by progressive leadership and consistent innovation.
“It’s a tremendous honor to step into the role of chair for the Department of Radiology, a department I have been deeply invested in for more than 20 years,” said Dr. Vagal. “My vision is to cultivate an environment that attracts and retains top talent, pioneers clinical AI integration, fosters transformative research, and prioritizes a supportive experience for both our patients and healthcare teams.”
Her impact as vice chair of research since 2016 has been transformative. Under her leadership, the department expanded its research infrastructure, significantly increased extramural funding, and rose to national prominence as one of the top 25 NIH-funded radiology departments.
Dr. Vagal is also a highly funded investigator whose work on stroke imaging biomarkers and brain health has advanced both clinical trials and population health research.
National and International Recognition
Beyond UC, Dr. Vagal holds influential roles in major radiological organizations. She is the director of the National Imaging Management Center for NIH StrokeNet, where she oversees the imaging core lab for large-scale clinical trials.
She also holds leadership positions in the American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR) as board member and secretary. She chairs the Neuroradiology Program Committee for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting.
Her achievements have garnered numerous accolades, including the 2019 Stroke Innovation Award at the International Stroke Conference, the Women in Leadership Award by the Foundation of ASNR, and multiple RSNA Honored Educator Awards.
She further cemented her leadership credentials through the prestigious Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) fellowship in 2022.
A Champion for Mentorship and Faculty Development
Dr. Vagal’s legacy also includes her unwavering dedication to mentorship. She has guided over 40 trainees and emerging scholars at local, regional, and national levels. At UC, she leads the Faculty Retention, Achievement and Mentorship Evaluation (FRAME) program, designed to support and elevate early-career faculty across disciplines.
“Dr. Vagal is a visionary leader whose unwavering dedication to high-quality patient care, translational research, and mentorship epitomizes UC’s mission,” said Dr. Gregory C. Postel, dean of the UC College of Medicine and executive vice president for health affairs. “Her strategic leadership and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly elevate our radiology department and strengthen our academic health enterprise as a whole.”
Distinguished Background
Dr. Vagal earned her medical degree from Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals in Mumbai, India.
She completed her diagnostic radiology residency at the University of Mumbai, followed by fellowships in neuroradiology and body imaging at the University of Cincinnati. She also holds a master’s degree in clinical and translational research from UC.
Her appointment marks a new chapter for UC’s Department of Radiology, building on the legacy of Dr. Mary Mahoney, whose decade-plus leadership significantly advanced the department’s clinical, research, and educational missions.
As the department looks to the future under Dr. Vagal’s guidance, it is poised to continue its ascent as a national leader in radiological innovation, patient care, and academic excellence.
