In a significant development within the realm of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, Dr. Gary Ulaner has been appointed as the president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). This appointment, announced during the SNMMI 2026 Annual Meeting held from May 30 to June 2 in Los Angeles, highlights the growing importance and transformative potential of nuclear medicine in contemporary healthcare. Dr. Ulaner’s expertise and leadership are poised to drive forward innovative research and clinical applications that could redefine patient care, particularly in oncology and molecular diagnostics.
Dr. Ulaner currently holds the James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair of Molecular Imaging and Therapy at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute and serves as a Professor of Radiology and Translational Genomics at the University of Southern California. His multifaceted roles underscore a career dedicated to the integration of molecular imaging technologies and translational research, aligning with the broader goals of personalized medicine and precision oncology. His background exemplifies the merger of academic rigor and clinical application crucial for advancing this rapidly evolving field.
Nuclear medicine, a specialty focused on the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and therapy, stands at the forefront of precision medicine innovation. The role of the president-elect extends beyond administrative leadership; it includes championing initiatives that fortify research infrastructures, expand educational platforms, and secure funding to nurture the next generation of radiochemistry and nuclear physics professionals. Dr. Ulaner’s vision emphasizes a holistic advancement, where technological innovation dovetails with workforce development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Ulaner’s academic foundation was established at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he earned both his MD and PhD in Cancer Biology. His post-doctoral training involved rigorous residencies in Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Southern California. This robust training has empowered him with a unique perspective that bridges molecular imaging technology, radiopharmaceutical development, and clinical oncology, driving impactful translational research.
Before his current tenure at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Dr. Ulaner was an Associate Member on a tenure track at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—a leading institution in cancer research and treatment. At MSK, he developed significant academic and clinical roles that contributed to the institution’s pioneering work in PET imaging and molecular diagnostics. His professional credentials are further reinforced by certifications from the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, underscoring his specialized expertise.
Within the SNMMI, Dr. Ulaner has been an active and influential member, occupying vital leadership positions such as director at large on the board of directors, president of the PET Center of Excellence, and chair of the Mars Shot Campaign—a bold initiative aimed at advancing nuclear medicine research. His multifaceted involvement signals his commitment to driving SNMMI’s strategic objectives, including the formulation of standards, educational outreach, and advocacy for nuclear medicine’s value in clinical practice.
His scholarly contributions are substantial, with over 190 journal articles and more than 300 invited presentations. Dr. Ulaner has contributed to seminal guidelines such as SNMMI’s Appropriate Use Criteria for Fluoroestradiol PET, setting standards that influence clinical decision-making globally. His editorial roles and authorship of textbooks like “Fundamentals of Oncologic PET/CT” demonstrate his dedication to disseminating knowledge and fostering an educated workforce proficient in advanced imaging modalities.
The Mars Shot Campaign, under Dr. Ulaner’s leadership, exemplifies a visionary approach to accelerating research and innovation within nuclear medicine. This initiative targets critical translational gaps, funding high-impact projects that aim to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals and imaging technologies with the potential to revolutionize diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. Such efforts are crucial in overcoming existing limitations related to imaging biomarkers and personalized treatment monitoring.
Dr. Ulaner’s dedication to education and training extends beyond research innovation. He actively advocates for expanding educational opportunities for nuclear medicine professionals—technologists, clinicians, physicists, and radiochemists—recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field. This approach is vital for sustaining a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of molecular imaging and theranostics, transforming patient outcomes in oncology and other disease domains.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ulaner has garnered numerous accolades, including the Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Award and the Department of Defense Breakthrough Award. His recognition as a Distinguished Investigator by the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research and as a healthcare visionary highlights both his scientific contributions and leadership qualities. Such honors reflect his role as a catalyst for innovation at the interface of cancer biology, imaging science, and clinical oncology.
The SNMMI’s election of new officers alongside Dr. Ulaner—Heather Jacene, MD as president and Jason S. Lewis, PhD as vice president-elect—illustrates a leadership cohort poised to navigate the next frontier of nuclear medicine. Their collective expertise underscores the society’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research, expanding educational horizons, and enhancing policy frameworks to elevate the role of molecular imaging in modern medicine.
As president-elect, Dr. Ulaner’s agenda will involve steering the SNMMI to harness the full potential of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologies. These advancements promise not only to enhance the early detection and characterization of malignancies but also to optimize individualized therapy through theranostics—combining targeted diagnostics with personalized treatment regimens. This paradigm shift aligns closely with contemporary trends aimed at achieving superior patient outcomes through precision health strategies.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging remains at the vanguard of scientific and medical innovation, dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics worldwide. Dr. Ulaner’s ascension to the role of president-elect represents a pivotal moment in reinforcing the society’s mission. His leadership is expected to invigorate research efforts, expand educational initiatives, and advocate for policies that solidify the critical role of molecular imaging in the healthcare continuum, driving transformative advances for patients globally.
Subject of Research:
Nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics with a focus on oncologic PET/CT and translational genomics in cancer care.
Article Title:
Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, Named President-Elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Heralding New Era in Molecular Imaging and Theranostics
News Publication Date:
June 7, 2026
Web References:
http://www.snmmi.org/
Image Credits:
Courtesy of SNMMI
Keywords:
Molecular imaging, Nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography (PET), Personalized medicine, Theranostics, Oncology imaging, Radiopharmaceuticals, Translational genomics, SNMMI, PET/CT, Radiochemistry, Molecular diagnostics
