UTMB recently welcomed a new leader who has built a global reputation for advancing neuroimaging, including work in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and mental health imaging.
Max Wintermark, MD, MS, MBA, joined UTMB as Chair of the Department of Radiology last month. He views radiology not as simply a supporting service, but a cornerstone of modern medicine. At UTMB, this perspective presents both an opportunity and a responsibility across its hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
“Radiology has a central role in the management of many patients,” he says. “Almost every single patient has some kind of imaging study.”
An internationally recognized radiologist and physician-scientist, Dr. Wintermark brings a distinguished record of leadership in clinical care, research innovation, and education. He most recently served as Professor and Chair of Neuroradiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Since arriving at UTMB on April 1, he has made improving the timeliness and efficiency of imaging services a top priority, with an emphasis on ensuring patients receive both their scans and interpretations as quickly as possible.
By focusing on workflow improvements and coordination across teams, he aims to create a more seamless experience for both patients and clinicians.
“It’s not something that can be achieved in one day,” he notes, “but over the next year or so, I am confident that we will reach that goal.”
Dr. Wintermark assumes leadership at a time when radiology is facing a national workforce shortage alongside growing demand for imaging. To address this, he envisions a thoughtful combination of technology, prioritization, and innovation. Artificial intelligence will play an important role in this future – not as a replacement for radiologists, but as a tool to enhance their capabilities.
He also emphasizes the importance of refining how imaging resources are used, ensuring that radiologists’ expertise is directed where it delivers the greatest clinical value. By aligning resources with patient needs, the department can better navigate increasing demand while maintaining quality.
As a neuroradiologist, Dr. Wintermark is enthusiastic about UTMB’s growing work in neuroscience and the emerging “brain economy.” He highlights the power of advanced imaging techniques such as functional MRI to go beyond structural imaging and provide insight into brain function and networks.
“We’re able to look beyond the structure of the brain to understand different brain networks,” he says. “It’s a very powerful approach.”
These advances are opening new pathways for understanding complex neurological and mental health conditions, as well as tailoring treatments more precisely to individual patients.
Dr. Wintermark says he was also drawn to UTMB by the energy and momentum of the institution. He sees UTMB as an environment where collaboration thrives and ideas can move quickly from concept to impact, creating strong opportunities to advance the department’s clinical, research, and educational missions.
“The energy is palpable. You feel the dynamic character of the institution,” he says. “That and the long history of excellence here really attracted me.”
Looking ahead, his vision for the department is both practical and forward-thinking. He aims to deliver faster and more efficient imaging services, leverage emerging technologies responsibly, strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships, and expand research in imaging science and neuroscience.
He also sees opportunities to grow the department’s clinical capabilities, including advanced interventional therapies that further extend radiology’s impact in patient care.
Dr. Wintermark’s leadership reflects a clear vision of radiology as not only central to patient care, but also a driving force in discovery and progress at UTMB.
“It's an exciting time with all the initiatives that President Reiser and Dean Bianco have started and have planned for the future,” Dr. Wintermark says. “My goal for myself and for my department is really to make sure that Radiology can be a full partner for all those initiatives.”
 | Max Wintermark, MD, MS, MBA is Chair of the Department of Radiology in the John Sealy School of Medicine at UTMB. Learn more about Radiology services at UTMB Health. |