The passing of a radiology luminary

Normally this column highlights the top read stories of the week that was, but today, unfortunately, there is some sad news to relay. Last night, Harvey L. Neiman, MD, FACR, former chief executive officer of the American College of Radiology (ACR), passed away due to a long illness. He was 71.

William T. Thorwarth, Jr., MD, FACR, had succeeded Neiman as ACR chief executive officer earlier this year, but Neiman’s accomplishments during his time at the helm will have a lasting impact on the practice of radiology and the health of patients. He helped spearhead the co-founding of the Image Wisely and Image Gently initiatives to help reduce radiation doses from medical imaging. Neiman also helped guide development of the Dose Index Registry, a tool to help practices benchmark and optimize the doses they are using.

Other lasting achievements for Neiman include his help creating the ACR Education Center, the Journal of the American College of Radiology and the Annual ACR Forum. His direction also led to the formation of the Radiology Leadership Institute, offering business and leadership training to radiologists.

Going forward, the recently launched Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute will help radiologists navigate the ever-shifting landscape of healthcare reform, including research on quality-based care and the impact of imaging on overall medical costs.

“ACR members and staff, the radiology community and organized medicine have lost a dear friend and colleague, exceptional leader, mentor and luminary,” said Bibb Allen, MD, FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors, in a press release.

The video below comes from the ACR and contains a recently produced tribute to Neiman and his many accomplishments:

-Evan Godt
Editor – Health Imaging