Dr. Hendel left his position with Midwest Heart Specialists, a group of more than 50 cardiovascular specialists based in the suburbs west of Chicago. Previously, he served as director of the coronary care unit and director of nuclear cardiology at Rush University Medical Center, where he remains a professor of medicine. Before joining Rush, he served on the faculty at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine for almost 10 years.

"Most recently Dr. Hendel has been in private practice after spending many years in academic medicine, so he brings a unique perspective by having worked in both arenas," said Mauro Moscucci, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of the Cardiovascular Division. "He is going to play a key role in moving our clinical program forward while expanding our research enterprise, and I am delighted that he has been able to join us."

Dr. Hendel is an expert in cardiac imaging, particularly in nuclear cardiology, which is the use of radioactive compounds to assess cardiac function and possible blockages in coronary arteries. The 2003 president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, he served on the organization's executive council for eight years. Dr. Hendel has also focused his attention on quality initiatives for cardiovascular imaging and helped develop the guidelines for ordering various forms of cardiac imaging studies.

"The Cardiovascular Division at the Miller School is undergoing impressive growth and building toward a leadership role in the world of academic cardiology as it strives to provide the highest quality care for South Florida residents and visitors, and I am proud to be a part of this new era," Dr. Hendel said. "Imaging of the heart and vascular system provides vital information to guide optimal care of patients, assisting clinicians in diagnosis and the evaluation of therapy."

Dr. Hendel received his medical degree, with distinction, from George Washington University School of Medicine in 1983. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Northwestern University and went on to receive fellowship training in cardiovascular medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, followed by additional specialty training in nuclear cardiology.