Dr. Vasken Dilsizian Honored with Two Prestigious SNMMI 2026 Awards for Cardiac Imaging Leadership

Dr. Vasken Dilsizian has received two major honours at the SNMMI 2026 Annual Meeting. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging recognised him with the Henry N. Wagner, Jr. Lectureship and the Minoshima-Pappas Transformational Leadership Award. These accolades highlight his decades-long influence on cardiac imaging and professional leadership in the field. Dilsizian’s career spans groundbreaking research and institutional leadership. Early in his work, he advanced thallium reinjection techniques, which became essential in cardiac stress imaging. Later, at the University of Maryland, he and his team pioneered the use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT to detect infections in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This innovation improved patient outcomes by enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

Beyond research, Dilsizian has shaped clinical standards and education. He developed credentialing protocols and clinical guidelines that ensure consistent, high-quality care across medical institutions. His leadership extended to the SNMMI, where he served as president from 2019 to 2020. During this time, he guided the society through the COVID-19 pandemic and organised its first fully virtual Annual Meeting. The awards reflect his wide-ranging contributions. The Wagner Lectureship honours eminent figures whose work has redefined nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Meanwhile, the Minoshima-Pappas Award celebrates visionaries whose leadership has transformed the field. Dilsizian’s selection for both underscores his reputation as a scientist, educator, and mentor.

Dilsizian continues to hold key roles at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he serves as a professor of radiology and medicine. His research, leadership, and educational efforts have earned him numerous awards over the years. The latest honours further cement his legacy in advancing nuclear medicine and improving cardiac care.