by Derek Scancarelli

Philip Scherer, MD, assistant professor of Clinical Radiology and Radiological Sciences, is the new section chief of Nuclear Medicine, effective March 1. Scherer succeeds Aaron Jessop, MD, MBA, associate professor of Clinical Radiology and Radiological Sciences.

“I am deeply honored by the opportunity,” Scherer said. “During my time at VUMC, it has been a privilege to work with supportive faculty and staff in the nuclear medicine section and radiology department.

“Under Dr. Jessop’s leadership, our section has seen substantial expansion in clinical services, including new diagnostic and therapeutic agents, increased research collaborations with other VUMC departments, and strengthened educational endeavors. I look forward to the continued growth in nuclear medicine services, including theranostics. I am grateful for the mentorship and counsel from Dr. Omary, Dr. Allen, Dr. Jessop, and many others as I step into this role.”

Reed Omary, MD, MS, Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and chair of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, is excited by the recent accomplishments of the nuclear medicine team and looks forward to the section’s next chapter.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the steady and calm leadership of Dr. Jessop during a time of rapid change in our department,” Omary said. “We’re happy to welcome Dr. Scherer into his new role and can’t wait to see all that he’ll do as a leader.”

Scherer earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed a transitional year of residency at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he served as a chief resident. He completed residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Florida College of Medicine and fellowship in nuclear medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis.

After spending four years at the University of Central Florida, Scherer joined the Vanderbilt faculty in 2020. In 2021, he was appointed associate program director of the Nuclear Medicine Residency and Fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and in July 2022, he became the program director. Scherer currently serves as a member of the Pharmacy, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics Committee and Radiology Department Quality and Patient Safety Committee at VUMC.