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After Peggy J. Fritzsche, MD, decided at age 8 to pursue a career in medicine, she never doubted her pursuit of what was then an unconventional idea. At that time, not many women were encouraged to become physicians. That same passion, commitment, and pioneering spirit fueled a long and successful career championing radiologic innovation and improving patient care. "I have always admired Dr Fritzsche," said 2008 RSNA President Theresa C. McLoud, MD. "She has been a strong leader in organized radiology and a creative and tireless worker. She has emphasized the commitment that radiology as a specialty must make to improving communications with our patients and referring clinicians." Dr Fritzsche, who has served as a professor of radiology at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif, since 1986, noted, "I found it was a privilege to participate in RSNA from the beginning, but to be rewarded with the Gold Medal is pure joy. It is an honor to be recognized for the innovation, vision, whatever it is that I have been able to contribute to further the cause of radiology and RSNA." Dr Fritzsche received a full scholarship from the Charles F. Kettering Foundation for her bachelor's degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich, and medical degree from Loma Linda University. Lectures by Isaac Sanders, MD, inspired her to select radiology as her specialty, and she completed her residency at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Loma Linda University honored her as the 2008 Alumna of the Year. In 1991, Dr Fritzsche became medical director of Riverside MRI Center in Riverside, Calif, a post she held until 2004. She established her reputation as a pioneer in private practice by introducing advanced MR imaging techniques into the community setting, making patient comfort her utmost priority. Her prototype office design, which allowed midfield open MR imaging available at the same location as high-field MR imaging to accommodate large and claustrophobic patients, became a model for MR practice in the 1990s. Dr Fritzsche's career has also included innovative research into urologic radiology and MR imaging, particularly related to the use of contrast materials and to procedures such as percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteral stent placement. A member of the RSNA since 1978, Dr Fritzsche's first volunteer experience was with the former Audiovisual Committee, which she subsequently chaired. She went on to serve on numerous other committees, including one to organize the Roentgen celebration in 1995. Joining the RSNA Board of Directors in 1995, Dr Fritzsche diligently advocated expanding the Society's public communication efforts and helping the general public better understand radiology and radiologists. Dr Fritzsche helped launch the RSNA–American College of Radiology public information Web site radiologyinfo.org and increased the number of press releases and press conferences on cutting-edge topics in radiology. She also chaired the committee responsible for the RSNA's 3-year radiology exhibit at the Disney Epcot Technology and Science Center in Orlando, Fla. Dr Fritzsche maintained the focus on communication, particularly with patients, as she became the Society's second woman president in 2003. "While I thought that the quality and accuracy of the diagnosis was important to patients-and it is-what is also tangible to patients is convenience, comfort, and the availability of the doctor to talk to them," Dr Fritzsche said in a recent interview with RSNA staff. The RSNA Research & Education (R&E) Foundation has also benefited from Dr Fritzsche's time and talents. She served as chair of the R&E Board of Trustees for 2005-2006 and has continued to serve on the Individual Giving Committee. Dr Fritzsche is a past president of the American Association for Women Radiologists and received the organization's Alice Ettinger Lifetime Achievement in Radiology Award in 2006. Dr Fritzsche is also an honorary member of the European Society of Radiology and a corresponding honorary member of the Swiss Radiological Society. As busy as her career has been, Dr Fritzsche made time to learn to fly an acrobatic plane—a feat for which she is known. While she has since hung up her pilot's jacket, she talks fondly of the constant urge to learn something new—a spirit that has helped shape her successful radiology career. "There is always a cutting-edge aspect to radiology, and I'm not afraid of change," said Dr Fritzsche. "It's a very dynamic and exciting field." In recognition of her innovating and pioneering spirit, as well as her commitment to patients and her fellow radiologists, the RSNA is proud to present Dr Fritzsche with its Gold Medal.
Anyone involved in the publication of a scientific medical journal can attest to the particular sense of pride that Anthony V. Proto, MD, takes in implementing and upholding standards for consistency, accuracy, and intellectual integrity. Dr Proto served as the sixth editor of Radiology from 1997 to 2007. Each year of his tenure was marked by journal innovation and higher standards of excellence. While most radiologists know Dr Proto as the former editor of Radiology, he has also had a distinguished career as an eminent thoracic radiologist, said 2008 RSNA President Theresa C. McLoud, MD. "During my own career, I have highly valued our friendship, professional collaboration, and mentorship," she said. "During his tenure as editor of Radiology, he brought the journal to new heights through his visionary leadership, dynamism, and dedication to the task at hand." Said Dr Proto, "Being honored with the RSNA Gold Medal is an event that will never fade from my memory, an event I will always cherish." Part of the excitement of being Radiology editor, he said, was "the opportunity to share with our readers my thoughts reflecting my belief that improving our journal and our profession requires constant, positive change." And change he delivered: Dr Proto proposed and executed major transformations for Radiology, remaining resolute in the face of occasional resistance. In the end, his colleagues were always persuaded of the wisdom of his innovations. Gradually, he reformed Radiology's authorship criteria, modeling them on the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, with the intent of ensuring that individuals listed as authors contributed substantially to the research. Dr Proto received his medical degree from Yale Medical School in 1971 and completed an internship in the surgical department at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He completed his radiology residency at SUNY, becoming chief resident in diagnostic radiology in 1974 and completing a fellowship in thoracic radiology in 1975. In 1976, he transferred to San Antonio, Texas, for military duty. He served as a training officer (Major) in the U.S. Air Force and became chief of diagnostic and chest radiology at the Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center at San Antonio's Lackland Air Force Base. He also held an appointment as a clinical associate professor of radiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. As Radiology editor, Dr Proto streamlined the peer-review process and transitioned to an online version of the journal and an online submissions and review system. He implemented a requirement for manuscript review by statisticians and was also instrumental in establishing category 1 CME credit for reviewers. Perhaps the most visible impact of Dr Proto's leadership was the journal design scheme nicknamed the "New Gray," which made its debut in January 2006. With the new look came a new layout and sections aimed at helping busy readers glean information more efficiently. New features he introduced, such as Science to Practice, gave readers access to discussions of "bench to bedside" practical applications of research in imaging. "I have had the opportunity to witness much of the highest-quality imaging research being conducted worldwide," Dr Proto said. Radiology is now internationally recognized as the premier general diagnostic radiology scientific journal with the highest impact factor. Dr Proto has held professorial positions at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was director of pulmonary radiology, chair of diagnostic radiology, and chair of the Department of Radiology. He is currently a tenured professor in that department. Dr Proto has served on numerous societal committees as a member or chair, has been a trustee of the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and assistant executive director (diagnostic radiology) of the ABR, and is a senior member of the Fleischner Society. He has published 288 articles, editorials, book chapters, and abstracts and has presented for many distinguished lectureships nationally and internationally. An RSNA member since 1973, Dr Proto has been awarded honorary membership in the Rocky Mountain Radiological Society, Philadelphia Roentgen Ray Society, Canadian Association of Radiologists, Italian Society of Medical Radiology, and Chicago Radiological Society. Dr Proto's influence and contributions will remain in a very prominent position in the RSNA's legacy. He has paved a path for subsequent change and continued growth in excellence. For his contributions to the outstanding reputation that the RSNA and the journal Radiology hold within the specialty of radiology and the medical profession, the RSNA is pleased to present Dr Proto with its Gold Medal.
Lee F. Rogers, MD, is an expert in skeletal trauma imaging in adults and children and a diligent advocate for the responsible practice of radiology. "Dr Rogers is truly a Renaissance man in radiology—he has served in numerous capacities," said 2008 RSNA President Theresa C. McLoud, MD. "To his friends and professional colleagues, he is perhaps most admired for his unfailing good humor, collegiality, and high sense of professionalism. Dr Rogers has had a significant impact on my professional life. He has been a mentor to me and many others over the years." Said Dr Rogers, "It is a distinct honor and privilege to receive the RSNA Gold Medal and to have my name added to that impressive roster of outstanding radiologists who have been previously so recognized." Dr Rogers served as editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) from 1995 to 2004 and is currently a clinical professor of radiology at the University of Arizona School of Health Sciences in Tucson. Born in Vermont and raised in Parkersburg, WVa, Dr Rogers received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago in 1959. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, completing an internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, and a residency at Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver, Colo. From 1963 to 1966, Dr Rogers was assigned to the Second General Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, serving as chief of radiology the last 2 years. He then transferred to Brooke General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, where he was appointed assistant chief of radiology services. After leaving the Army in 1967, Dr Rogers entered the private practice of radiology at Baptist Memorial Hospital in San Antonio. In 1968, he began what was to become a distinguished academic career at the University of Texas (UT) Medical School in San Antonio, achieving the rank of associate professor of radiology in 1971. In January 1972, he accepted a position at the UT Health Sciences Center in Houston and was appointed as director of the residency training program. In July 1974, Dr Rogers returned to Chicago and his alma mater, Northwestern University Medical School, as a professor and chair of the Department of Radiology, positions he was to hold for more than 21 years. He was named Frederick J. Bradd and William Kennedy Professor of Radiology in 1986 and served as a consultant physician to the Veterans Administration Lakeside Hospital in Chicago and as a consultant in radiology to the Surgeon General of the U.S. Air Force. Dr Rogers was named I. Meschan Distinguished Professor of Radiology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 1995, the same year he accepted the position of editor-in-chief of AJR. His editorials in AJR often called for cooperative standards and integrity among radiologists, and he also often wrote of radiologists' responsibility to use the gifts of technology and research wisely, advocating scrupulous investigation and ongoing training. In addition, he promoted radiation safety practices for both patients and radiologists, publishing extensive discussions of techniques to reduce both radiation and contrast dose. An RSNA member since 1966, Dr Rogers has been active in many radiologic organizations and has served as president of the American College of Radiology (ACR), American Board of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS), Chicago Radiological Society (CRS), Association of University Radiologists (AUR), and Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments, as well as first vice-president of RSNA. Dr Rogers has delivered 29 named lectures and served more than 100 visiting professorships. He has published more than 150 articles and 100 editorials and is also the author of three books. His two-volume text, Radiology of Skeletal Trauma, is considered "must" reading by scholars across the world. Dr Rogers is an honorary member of a dozen radiological societies, including the Texas Radiological Society, American Society of Neuroradiology, Canadian Association of Radiologists, American Association for Women Radiologists, Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), and Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine. He is an honorary fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. He has been awarded gold medals from ACR, ARRS, AUR, CRS, and the American Society of Emergency Radiology, as well as the Founder's Medal of the International Skeletal Society and the SPR Pioneer award. For his contributions to the field of radiology and his efforts to establish the standards of professional responsibility within the specialty, the RSNA is honored to present its Gold Medal to Dr Rogers. |
