UCSF neuroradiologist Javier Villanueva-Meyer

Javier Villanueva-Meyer, MD

Neuroradiologist

Specialty: Brain tumor radiology

Dr. Villanueva-Meyer has served as Medical Director of MRI at UCSF since 2021 and has distinguished himself as a leader across our mission areas as a talented clinician, patient advocate, transdisciplinary partner, and top-notch educator and mentor. In September, he transitioned to his new role as Vice Chair of Quality and Technology for UCSF's Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging.

Dr. Villanueva-Meyer’s interests focus on advanced MR imaging and imaging-based tools to better delineate and characterize brain tumors. His research also involves molecular imaging, where he works to develop and implement the use of PET radiotracers in both brain tumors and spinal infection. He has clinical expertise in CT, MRI and plain film radiography of the brain, head and neck, spine, and peripheral nervous system, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic neuroradiology procedures such as percutaneous biopsy, lumbar puncture, myelography, cisternography, epidural and selective nerve root injection.

Education and Training

2011: MD, Baylor College of Medicine
2016: Residency, Diagnostic Radiology, UCSF
2017: Fellowship, Neuroradiology, UCSF
2018: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, UCSF

Academic Positions

2018-present: Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, UCSF
2021-2022: Medical Director of MRI, UCSF
2022-present: Vice Chair, Quality and Technology, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, UCSF

Selected Awards

2016: Elmer Ng MD Award for Outstanding Resident in Diagnostic Radiology, UCSF
2016: Outstanding Podium Presentation, Imaging Research Symposium
2017: Trainee Award, American Society of Neuroradiology
2018: John A. Watson Scholar, UCSF
2020: Diane D. Ralston Neuroscience Clinical and Basic Neuroscience Teaching Award, Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF