Professional Title and Role
James F. Benenati, M.D., FSIR currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Penumbra, Inc., a position he has held since September 1, 2020. In this executive capacity, Dr. Benenati is responsible for shaping clinical and medical affairs strategies, providing guidance on global medical and scientific leadership, and contributing to the development and advancement of Penumbra’s innovative medical device portfolio focused primarily on thrombectomy and clot removal technologies.
Educational Background and Certifications
Dr. Benenati is a board-certified interventional radiologist with an extensive academic background:
- Undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame
- Medical degree from the University of South Florida, College of Medicine
- Residency at Indiana University
- Fellowship training at Johns Hopkins Medical Institution
He holds the designation FSIR (Fellow of the Society of Interventional Radiology), reflecting his advanced expertise in the field.
Academic and Clinical Engagements
Dr. Benenati maintains active academic involvement as a clinical professor of radiology at Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, and holds a Collaborative Professorship at other institutions, positioning him as a key opinion leader in interventional radiology.
Prior to his tenure at Penumbra, he practiced interventional radiology at the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute (MCVI) since 1990 and served as the fellowship program director for interventional radiology there. He has also held leadership roles such as the President of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) and President of the Vascular Division of the Intersocietal Accreditation Committee (IAC).
Research and Publications
Dr. Benenati is a prolific author in the interventional radiology discipline, having authored over 150 scientific publications and book chapters. He also has lectured extensively on a global scale. His contributions include editing journals and textbooks and actively participating in landmark clinical trials relevant to Penumbra’s device development.
Contributions at Penumbra, Inc.
Since joining Penumbra as CMO, Dr. Benenati has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s vascular and pulmonary embolism franchises, contributing his clinical expertise to product innovation such as the Indigo System and Lightning Flash mechanical thrombectomy devices. He has emphasized clinical studies and trials, including the STORM-PE randomized controlled trial, which completed enrollment ahead of schedule, underlining his leadership in clinical research and commitment to improving patient outcomes in pulmonary embolism and venous diseases.
Dr. Benenati has publicly advocated for the management of blood clots and pulmonary embolism, highlighting inconsistencies in current care and the potential benefits of Penumbra’s devices in reducing healthcare costs and enhancing treatment efficacy.
Notably, he has underlined efforts toward new therapies for pelvic venous disorders, collaborating in clinical trials like the Embolize trial for chronic pelvic pain, reflecting his dedication to addressing significant unmet medical needs.
Recognitions and Awards
Dr. Benenati has received the highest awards from the Society of Interventional Radiology, including the SIR Gold Medal, recognizing his longstanding leadership and contributions to the specialty.
Leadership and Strategic Influence
Dr. Benenati is a member of Penumbra’s senior leadership team, working alongside executives such as the Executive Vice President of Strategy. His role extends to advising on global clinical initiatives and supporting Penumbra’s strategic direction aimed at enhancing patient care through technology-driven interventional solutions.
Recent Medical Industry Engagements and Thought Leadership
- Frequently cited in press releases regarding Penumbra’s technological advancements and clinical trial achievements (2023–2025).
- Presented thought leadership in industry publications and interviews, emphasizing Penumbra’s focus on clot removal, aspiration technologies, and innovative treatments within the interventional radiology domain.
- Advocates for expanding treatment options and coverage policies related to vascular interventions like percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and carotid artery stenting.
Overall, James F. Benenati, M.D., FSIR offers Penumbra a blend of deep clinical expertise, a prolific research portfolio, and executive leadership. His role as CMO encompasses driving clinical innovation, medical strategy, and expanding Penumbra’s footprint in thrombectomy and vascular treatment markets, making him a crucial influencer in the company’s continued growth and technological advancement.
