David B. Larson, MD, MBA, has been named chair of the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, effective September 14, 2026.
Larson joins University of Utah Health from Stanford University, where he served in numerous leadership roles over the past decade, including executive vice chair and acting chair of the Department of Radiology. He currently serves as medical director of improvement for Stanford Health Care and director of the Stanford Radiology AI Development and Evaluation Lab. His career has focused on advancing quality, safety, operational excellence, and innovation in health care while supporting the development of clinicians, educators, and future leaders.
“Dr. Larson is an accomplished physician, educator, researcher, and leader whose experience spans every aspect of the academic mission,” said Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS, dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. “He brings a proven record of building high-performing teams, fostering innovation, and guiding complex organizations through periods of growth and transformation.”
A pediatric radiologist by training, Larson earned an MD and MBA from Yale University before completing residency and fellowship training at the University of Colorado. A Utah native, Larson spent part of his early career practicing pediatric radiology in the Wasatch Front and maintained close ties to the state throughout his professional journey.
Since joining Stanford in 2013, Larson helped lead the Department of Radiology through significant growth and transformation. As vice chair, executive vice chair, and acting chair, he oversaw clinical operations, faculty development, strategic planning, and educational programs while helping guide the department through periods of rapid growth and organizational change. He also led the development of numerous improvement and leadership-training programs that have trained thousands of health care professionals in quality improvement and systems thinking.
In addition to his institutional leadership, Larson is recognized nationally for his contributions to quality improvement, patient safety, and artificial intelligence in medicine. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Board of Radiology and as Vice President of the American College of Radiology. His scholarly work has advanced the fields of pediatric radiology, quality improvement science, and the responsible development and evaluation of artificial intelligence technologies in health care.
“The University of Utah has an extraordinary Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences with a longstanding reputation for excellence in clinical care, education, research, and innovation,” Larson said. “I am honored to join this outstanding community and excited to work alongside faculty, staff, trainees, and partners across University of Utah Health. My career has focused on developing people while solving complex challenges, and I believe the department is uniquely positioned to build on its many strengths, expand its impact across the region and beyond, and continue advancing the future of radiology for the benefit of patients and families.”
Larson succeeds Satoshi Minoshima, MD, PhD, who served as chair for more than a decade, and Charles "Chuck" Ray, MD, PhD, who has served as interim chair since September 2025. Under Minoshima's leadership, the department experienced significant growth in faculty, clinical services, research, and innovation, earning national and international recognition for excellence in academic radiology. Ray, a nationally recognized leader in interventional radiology, provided thoughtful stewardship and continuity during the leadership transition. Under Larson's leadership, the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences will continue advancing its missions of patient care, education, research, and innovation while building on that strong foundation.