OSUMC Radiology - Section of Breast Imaging

Breast Imaging has undergone significant advancements over the past century, that made for an early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Robert Egan in 1956 at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, combined a technique of low kVp and high mA and single emulsion films as a method of detecting calcifications in breast tissue, confirming breast cancers. The 1970s marked the widespread adoption of screen-film mammography, enhancing image clarity, and diagnostic accuracy.  In the same decade xeromammography introduced a dry imaging process, offering improved image quality and contrast compared to traditional methods. In the 1980s, breast ultrasound offered a non-invasive, radiation-free method which was particularly useful for assessing dense breasts or distinguishing between solid and cystic masses.  Late in 1980 dedicated stereotactic devices were developed for biopsy purposes.  In the early units the patient was in a sitting position while later the patient was prone.  A metallic marker was left in place for wire localization if it was needed later. MRI became a valuable tool in the 1990s, providing high-resolution images and functional information, aiding in detecting and characterizing breast lesions.  In the early 2000s, digital mammography replaced analog film, allowing for electronic image storage and manipulation, thereby improving diagnostic capabilities.  In 2010s Digital Breast Tomosynthesis or 3D mammography, provided three-dimensional imaging, reducing tissue overlap and enhancing detection especially in dense breasts. Contrast enhanced mammography is a method that highlights tumor vascularity and it is less expensive than breast MRI.  Molecular breast imaging is a nuclear medicine technique that detects metabolically active lesions. These advances made Breast Imaging and Interventions a distinct subspecialty in Diagnostic Radiology departments.

Lucy Freedy was born in the small town of Conway, North Carolina. She was one of the first women that was admitted to and graduated from Wake Forest College in North Carolina. Her dream was to become a medical doctor. After several unsuccessful attempts, she was admitted to Duke University Medical School.  She graduated and received her MD degree in 1957.  Her academic marks ranked her 2nd in her graduating class of 88 students.  When I became Chairman of the department I was impressed by Lucy's willingness to work in any section additional manpower was needed and her passion for breast imaging.  In addition to clinical duties she was willing to pass her knowledge to residents and medical students.  One of my best decisions was that I appointed Dr. Freedy as my Vice Chair during my tenure from 1992 to 2004.  She offered me advise when it was needed as I was the newcomer and later I enjoyed working with her in our breast section.  After many years of hard work she spent her retirement years in her beloved south in Clearwater Florida.  Lucy sadly passed on March 27, 2026 in her sleep at the age of 97. 

Michele McCorvey was born in Luverne a small rural town in Alabama. Luverne is located to the south of Montgomery a pivotal city of the American Civil Rights movement famously know as the birthplace of the 1955-56 Bus Boycott sparked by Rosa Parks.  Dr. McCorvey did her undergraduate studies at Yale University and she received her MD degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. She did her internship at Thomas Jefferson and her residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Hahnemann now Drexel University Medical Center and the George Washington University Medical Center from 1998 to 2002.  Her Fellowship on Breast Imaging and Intervention and Cross Sectional Imaging was at the George Washington University Medical Center in 7/2002-6/2003. When she joined OSU she was appointed as an Assistant Professor and was appointed as an Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology at the University of Texas in 2014. She is currently employed by Virtual Radiology Corporation (vRad), a Radiology Partners (RP) Company (9/2015 - present).  Michelle's two years tenure with us significantly enhanced the quality of care we provided to our patients. Although her time at OSU was brief, her impact was big.  When she moved to University of Texas San Antonio, the distance did not diminish our bond. We stayed in close contact, often visiting with her during breast meetings in Texas, cherishing the moments we shared and the lasting connections we built.

John Olsen was born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1943.  He completed his internship at D.C. General Hospital on the Georgetown Medical Service and his residency in Radiology at the University of Chicago in 1973.  After graduation, he served in the Army for two years and then practiced in Glen Cove, NY.  In 1976, he was hired as an Assistant Professor at the Ohio State and worked as a general radiologist. He was involved in breast imaging since 1977 when OSU acquired a Siemens Mammomat the first dedicated breast imaging platform that adopted low dose film. At the time most of mammography was done with standard x-ray equipment and industrial film requiring large doses of radiation and correctly Dr. Sydney Nelson, Radiology's Chairman considered unsafe.  The department at OSU was the first in Ohio to use low dose and to have a platform designed for breast imaging.  Dr. Olsen assisted in Nuclear Medicine, and in 1979 became the Acting Director and the the Director until 2006. In the early years and until the section of Breast Imaging was established mammograms were interpreted in Nuclear Medicine where breast surgeons like Dr. William Farrar and the legendary Dr. James brought cases to Dr. Olsen for consultation.  The department was among the first that adapted to the emerging technique of digital mammography in Central Ohio but long after two other health systems in a small Ohio town, Lima did. All referrals to Dr. Farrar from the Lima hospitals impressed him and suggested to two philanthropists Abigail Wexner and John Wolfe's wife to buy a digital unit for us and they did. When we moved to the outpatient breast center in Dublin, Dr. Olsen was the chief of mammography. I learned from him how to do stereotactic biopsies with the patients in prone position which made the procedure more comfortable and less frightening to the patients. They were many things I learned from Dr. Olsen.  The most important was the way he was interacting with the patients. He took time to sit with each patient, carefully listening to their concerns, answering questions, and addressing their fears with compassion and understanding. It was not only the patients but the breast surgeons recognized Dr. Olsen's knowledge and consulted with him on difficult cases.  Dr. Olsen was a doctor's doctor.  John has now retired in Columbus, Ohio.

Dimitrios Spigos, as my curriculum vitae appears in prior posts, I will mention only key dates.  I graduated from the University of Athens in 1967.  I spent the next three years in the Greek Navy. My residency was at the University of Illinois in Chicago.  When I graduated in 1975, I was appointed chief of Angiography and Interventional Radiology in our department.  During my tenure at the University of Illinois, I became known for the description of how to perform renal biopsies under ultrasound guidance and the performance of splenic embolisation.  In 1986, I was appointed Chairman of Radiology at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, and in 1992 I became Chairman of Radiology at the Ohio State Hospital.  In the first years at OSU I worked with Dr. Al Stockum a wonderful human being and an exceptional angiographer.  When the work in Breast Imaging increased, I joined Drs. Freedy and Olsen reviewing initially screening mammograms with the residents and doing biopsies under ultrasound guidance. As MRI became more popular, I spend most of my time reporting MRI studies and performing biopsies under MR guidance.  

Our outpatient unit in Dublin was unique, as breast surgeons and radiologists worked under one roof. Drs William Farrar, Doreen Agnese, Lisa Yee, William Burak, Steve Povoski, William Carson, and we, the radiologists, cooperated closely with the goal of delivering the highest quality care to the patients.

This post is dedicated to my colleague and friend John Olsen.  John and I were born in the closing days of WWII, he in New York and I in Athens - two great cities, one on the west coast of the Atlantic and the other on the Mediterranean.  We both did our radiology residencies in Chicago, and upon completion, he moved to Ohio while I stayed in Illinois.  We met when I joined the department of Radiology at the Ohio State University.  There are many tributes that someone can admire about John.  He sought the continuous advancement in his chosen fields - Nuclear Medicine and Breast Imaging and he fostered close cooperation with colleagues in surgery and      oncology having as a sole aim the benefit of his patients.

OSUMC Radiology; Section of Chest Imaging

Chest imaging has undergone significant advancements since the discovery of X-rays in 1895. Initially, chest radiographs were the primary tool for diagnosing thoracic abnormalities such as pneumonias, cardiomegaly and pneumothorax.  Over time, the modality evolved, and a new era started with the introduction of Computed Tomography (CT). CT scans offered superior spatial resolution, enabling precise assessment of lung parenchyma, blood vessels, and airways. This advancement significantly improved the detection and characterization of various pulmonary conditions, including pulmonary embolism and interstitial lung disease.

Charles Mueller was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1936.  He attended University of Cincinnati where he earned his undergraduate and medical degrees.  Charles stayed and completed his radiology residency at the University of Cincinnati when the legendary Ben Felson was the Chairman.  Upon completion of his training he practiced radiology at Wright Patterson Air Force base.  He then moved and practiced radiology to New Mexico for 6 years.  Upon his return to his native Ohio he was hired as the program Director of Diagnostic Radiology at the Ohio State University. During his tenure at OSU, Charlie served in numerous leadership roles in our department.  In addition to being the director of the Residency, he started our Thoracic Fellowship program.  He was a pioneer in the field of Emergency Radiology and was a founding member of the Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER).  He served as its third President from 1992 to 1993.  In 1974, he served as the Interim Chair of Radiology and once again in 1991-1992.  Dr. Mueller left a lasting influence of excellence in the practice of radiology and the education of medical students, residents and fellows.

Jerome Cunningham received his B.S. in Chemistry with honors and his M.D. from the University of Florida. He served two years in the U.S. Navy. His training in Diagnostic Radiology was at Stanford University where he was a National Institute of Health Fellow and Chief Resident.  He was then hired as Assistant Professor of Radiology at Wake Forest University and later taught and did research at the University of Rochester and the Medical College of Georgia.  He worked in the chest and ultrasound sections and he retired after serving as Professor of Radiology at the Ohio State University.  After his retirement, he became an avid volunteer in the Columbus community.  He received volunteer awards from the OSUMC, WOSU Public Media, and the Nature Conservancy. 

Mark King received his M.D. degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1986.  He did his internship at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System in 1987 and his residency in Radiology at the Ohio State Hospital in 1998-1992.  His Fellowship was in Cardiac Imaging at the University of California (San Diego) in 1992-1993.  He returned to OSU and was hired as an Assistant Professor.  He became the Director of our Residency Program and several initiatives were implemented during his tenure.  He published several papers in referee journals about emphysema, HIV lung disease and high resolution computed tomography of the chest. Dr. King recently retired as Professor Emeritus.

Anthimos John Christoforidis was born in 1923 in Sille, near Iconio, in Asia Minor.  He received his M.D. degree from the University of Athens where he graduated first in his class in 1949.  He did his Radiology residency training at the Ohio State in 1953.  He was a respected and well-published educator with numerous textbooks and journal articles. He chaired three departments of radiology; the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Medical College of Ohio and Ohio State University.  He directed the first cancer hospital in Greece and was inducted into the Academy of Athens in 1990.  He retired for Ohio State in 2007 after serving the University, its students and patients for 54 years.

I am dedicating this post to Dr. Charles Mueller, whose mentorship, transformed our residency program highly sought after as medical students across the Nation recognized that an experienced and compassionate leader was at the helm, ensuring a nurturing and educational environment.  His contributions inspire and guide us in our pursuit of excellence in patient care and education.

OSUMC Radiology Section of Neuroradiology

The section of Neuroradiology at the Ohio State Medical Center has a long history of leadership and innovation in diagnostic imaging of the neurologic system, using the first MRI in Ohio and the first ultra-high-field (8 Tesla) MRI in the world.  The section offers expertise in all aspects of Computed Tomography, diagnostic MRI including perfusion, diffusion tension imaging and spectroscopy.  It also performs interventional procedures in the brain and guided biopsies of the spine and vertebroplasty.

Donald Chakeres who was the chief of the section was born in Columbus, Ohio.  He received his BA degree in Chemistry from Capital University in Columbus in 1972, and his MD degree from Ohio State University in 1975.  He did an internship at Riverside Methodist in Columbus in 1972, and his residency in Radiology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire ending in 1978. His Neuroradiology fellowship was at the University of Oregon Health Science Center in Portland Oregon in 1979.  He returned to Dartmouth Medical Center as an Instructor and he was then appointed the Head of Neuroradiology at the University of Texas in San Antonio as an Associate Professor until 1985.  From 1985 to 2019 he was the Head of Neuroradiology at the Ohio State University Medical Center where the department acquired the second 1.5 Tesla General Electric MRI system in the country.  He was also the director of the 8 Tesla Research Group.  The 8T group led the world in high field MRI for a number of years and established the safety data related to high field MRI that are still utilized. He wrote a book with Petra Schmalbrock and more than 100 papers with many collaborators. He was the President of the American Head and Neck Society. He was also on many Executive Committees of National and International Organizations including the American Society of Neuroradiology and the International Society of Head and Neck Radiology.  He was on the Editorial Boards of many journals including, Radiology, Journal of the American Society of Radiology, and Neuroradiology.  He also began an interest in basic physics and has published a number of papers in that field. He retired in 2019 as a Professor Emeritus. 

Gregory Christoforidis received his medical degree from Ohio State University in 1990.  He did an internship at Mount Carmel Medical Center in 1991 and his residency at the Ohio State University from 1992 to 1995.  He did fellowships in Neuroradiology at Henry Ford in 1997 and the     USZ-Universitats Spital Zurich in 1998. He is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology.  He has expertise in interventional neuroradiology (neuroendovascular surgery), and diagnostic neuroradiology of the brain, head , neck and spine.  He is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute stroke, aneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, arteriovenous malformations and other vascular lesions. Dr. Christoforidis has extensive experience with minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures, including thrombolysis, embolectomy, embolisation, aneurysm treatment, AVM treatment, sclerotherapy, spinal augmentation, spinal injections and transcutaneous pain treatment, biopsies, angioplasty, and stenting in the head, neck and spine.  His research focuses on endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke.  He is investigating the formation of collateral vessels in the leptomeningeal tissue surrounding the brain and its role in the acute ischemic stroke.

Eric Bourekas was born in Warren, Ohio.  He did his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at the Ohio State, and he received his MD degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1989.  He completed a residency at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1993 and a fellowship in Neuroradiology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western in 1995 and fellowship in Interventional Neuroradiology in 1998 at the Cleveland Clinic. He is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology and Neuroradiology.  I hired Eric when I was the Chairman of Radiology and have known him both professionally and personally.  His contributions to Radiology have been immense.  His contributions in the clinical and research aspects of spinal pathology, spinal tumors, and neuroimaging are nationally recognised. He has served as Vice Chair of Radiology/Clinical Operations and Chief of Neuroradiology at OSUMC.  Dr. Bourekas is now the Chief of Staff, a position to which he was elected by his peers at the medical center a recognition of his advocacy for physicians in all departments, and the first radiologist to hold this position. He has served in many positions including President of Faculty Staff Council for the Medical Center and Senator in the Ohio State University Senate.  He has been a recipient of many teaching awards, and he was recently recognized as a Master Clinician by The Mazzaferri-Ellison Society, an Honorary Society which recognizes outstanding clinicians who excel in clinical practice, teaching, mentoring/role modeling, professionalism, leadership and service to the profession and the OSU Medical Center.  He has also received an Honorary Recognition at the University of West Attica in Athens Greece for his contributions to medicine at large. 

This post if dedicated to Dr. Lucy Freedy, who served as the Vice-Chair of the Department of Radiology during my tenure as the Chairman from 1992-2004.  Lucy was a hard working attending who genuinely cared about the education of the students and residents and also for providing exemplary care to our patients.  Her specialty was breast imaging, but she selflessly contributed wherever the department needed support.  Lucy's dedication and compassion made a lasting impact on all members at the medical center.  Lucy died on March 27, 2026 in her sleep. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.

Radiology Department History at The Ohio State University

Wilhelm Röntgen discovered x-rays in 1895, and soon after in 1986, Thomas Edison developed the first fluoroscope.  These advancements marked the beginning of medical imaging.  Radiology's timeline has several key milestones such as the introduction of film in 1918, ultrasound in 1955, computed tomography in 1967, and MRI in 1972.

The Department of Radiology at the The Ohio State University has a long history of leadership in imaging.  In the early years it was likely a division of the Department of Surgery.  It formally appeared as a distinct department in the College of Medicine in 1947. 

The first Radiology Chairman was Dr. Hugh Means who took office in 1947, when the department began offering electives to medical students.

A towering figure in the department was Dr. William G. Myers, a pioneer in Nuclear Medicine.  He was known as the "godfather of cyclotron", and he introduced 11 radioisotopes including cobalt-60 for the treatment of cancer.  In 1952, he introduced Gold-198 for permanent brachytherapy seed implantation, contributing to his legacy as a leader in radioactive isotope applications in medicine.

In the 60s Dr. Sidney W. Nelson became the Chairman. He was a prominent radiologist recognized nationally, holding positions such as President of the Association of University Radiologist in 1965-66, and being was an examiner of the American Board of Radiology. A milestone for the department was that it hosted the 16th annual meeting of the Association of University Radiologists in 1968. Progress in the department continued when Dr. A Feimanis, A J Christoforidis and D. G. Spigos were Department Chairmen and Dr. Reinhard Gahbauer, Dr. John Olsen, and Dr. Charles Mueller were Division heads.  Their contributions will be discussed in future posts. 

The 1980s, the 1990s and the early years of the new century it was a period of technological advancements.  The department continued to lead in neuroimaging bringing the first 1.5T MRI in Ohio which was a precursor to the development of the first ultra-high-field 8 Tesla MRI unit in the world. It also was leader in ultrasound and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology.  In the 1994 and the department was transformed from a film based to a film-less after the introduction of digital imaging and PACS (picture archiving and communication software), first within the department, the intensive care units and the ED. Another important development was the offer of tele-radiology service to rural hospitals.  

This post is dedicated to Drs. Meyers and Nelson, whose hard work and innovations served as the cornerstones for the department's growth in the                                     decades that followed. 

OSU College of Medicine Deans

William J. Means was the first Dean of The Ohio State University's College of Medicine.  He was appointed in 1914, when the College of Medicine was established by combining the Starling-Ohio Medical College with the Ohio State University. Means also served as the first Chairman and Professor of the Department of Surgery until 1916.  Means received his medical education degree in 1874 from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and held several positions at the Ohio Medical University, and Starling-Ohio Medical College before becoming the Dean.  Means Hall was built in 1951 and was named in his honor in 1968, and stands as a reminder for his contributions.

Eugene F. McCampbell received his BS and PHD degrees from the University of Chicago in 1911.  He received his M.D. degree from Rush Medical College in1912.  He was a member of the OSU College of Medicine faculty from 1914 to1917, and became the Dean of the College from 1917 until 1927. 

John H. Upham, was born in the State of New Jersey.  He obtained his M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1894. Upon graduation, he did a residency at Johns Hopkins at a time when notable physicians such as William Osler, William Halstead and William Welch among others were his teachers. Dr. Upham moved to Columbus in 1896. He was first hired as an Instructor in Medicine by Starling Medical College in 1897, and became an Associate Professor in 1902, and a Professor in 1908.  He joined the Ohio State College of Medicine in 1914, and spent the rest of his career at the OSU, until his retirement in 1941.  Upham Hall, was named to honor him, for his many contributions in the practice of medicine, and the education of medical students and young doctors.  

Charles A. Doan became the Dean in 1944.  He coordinated successfully the building of the University Hospital, which was completed and admitted patients on July 1, 1951. To the original hospital that is known as the "old hospital", six buildings have been added, and the complex is now designated by the Board of Trustees as the "University Hospitals."  Dr. Doan supported and financed the first commercial Nuclear Medicine camera which is now in the Smithsonian, in Washington DC. He and Dr. Meyer brought a medical cyclotron at Ohio State's campus along and a nuclear reactor.  Dr. Meyers produced and introduced at least six radionuclides in medicine.  The building of the University Hospital and the advances he Nuclear Medicine were notable accomplishments.

Richard L Meiling (1908-1984) was the leader at the OSUCM across multiple decades.  He was Professor and Dean of the College of Medicine and Director of the University Hospitals.  Dr. Meiling received his medical degree with honors at the University of Munich, Germany in 1937.  Upon completion of his medical education, he came to OSU in 1938.  He did a residency in Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Western Reserve University Hospital in Cleveland, and was board certified in both fields. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  He conducted original scientific work in the use of vitamin C, the application of Cobalt-60, and in the "air evacuation" of patients by the military.  His interest, in medical education, led him to receive many invitations as a consultant by several foreign governments, and overseas medical groups.  Meiling answered a call to serve, first with the Hoover Commission on National Security, and then as a consultant to the Secretary of Defense, in 1948.  The building that houses OSU medical school, was named after him, as a recognition for his contributions to OSU College of Medicine and the nation.

John A. Prior (1913-1992) was Professor Emeritus and Associate Dean for the Ohio State's College of Medicine.  Doctor Prior received both his BA and MD degrees from the Ohio State's College of Medicine.  After an internship at Grant hospital, in Columbus, he did a residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Pulmonary Diseases at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.  He was recognized nationally for his expertise in the area of chest diseases especially in tuberculosis and histoplasmosis. Dr. Prior chaired the committee that was responsible for the design and creation of the Health Sciences Library, which was named "John A. Prior Health Sciences Library" in his honor on September 1, 1988.

Henry G. Cramblett (1929-2018) received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1953.  Dr. Cramblett came to OSUCM in 1966 as the Chairman of the Department of Medical Microbiology.  He was the Dean of the College of Medicine between the years of 1973 and 1980.  He was instrumental in the opening of the Outpatient Clinic in 1974, a building that was named after him.  It was Dr. Cramblett who established the relationship between Ohio State and the Nationwide Children Hospital which is nationally recognized for advanced care.  Dr. Cramblett received the distinguished Service Award by the State Medical Board. 

Manuel Tzagournis was born in 1934 in Youngstown, Ohio and received his BS and MD degrees from Ohio State University.  He was the son of Adam and Argyro Tzagournis, who were immigrants from the Greek island of Crete.  In 1961, while doing an internship at the Philadelphia General Hospital, he became interested in diabetes mellitus, which led him to practice endocrinology.  Tzagournis served as a National Institute of Health, principal investigator, at its General Clinical Research Center. He was responsible for the unit that studies patients with metabolic diseases.  Tzagournis held numerous positions at OSU including Assistant Dean for Research and Continuing Medical Education; Secretary of the Faculty of the College of Medicine; Associate Dean; Medical Director of the OSU Hospital; Acting Dean in1980; Dean (1981-1995); Vice President for Health Sciences (1994-2002); and Vice President and later President of the University's Managed Care System.  Tzagournis is known for having produced an amiable resolution of the dispute about the practice plan, and for maintaining a good relationship between the alumni, and the practicing physicians.  I was recruited by Dr. Tzagournis, who was affectionately known as "Manny", his nickname.  As many faculty from all departments will testify, he considered and treated all faculty as members of his family.  In 1999, The Ohio State University, honored Dr. Tzagournis for his many contributions in the field of medicine, naming a new building that houses research laboratories as " The Tzagournis Medical Research Facility". 

                 Authored by D. G. Spigos MD and John Olsen MD

                         Emeritus Professors at The Ohio State University 

                        

 

This post is dedicated to Dr. W Willoughby, Mr. Sterling, and the Deans mentioned in this post, for their tireless efforts that made Ohio State     School of Medicine the preeminent medical school, it is today.

Distinguised Surgeons Univ of Illinois, 1967-1977

Lloyd Nyhus was the first Warren Cole professor and Head of Surgery at the University of Illinois in Chicago.  During his 22 years as the head of the department he was known for his kind and calm disposition and his innate sense of humour.  He was a mentor and role model to a generation of outstanding surgeons and staff of other departments like myself.

He was born in 1923 in Mount Vernon, Washington and got his medical degree in 1947 from the University of Alabama College of Medicine.  His surgical training was in Seattle, under the tutelage of Henry Harkins.  He was recruited to the University of Illinois department of surgery in 1967. 

Nyhus, became well known for the peptic ulcer surgery and together with Harkins published their landmark textbook Surgery of the Stomach.  Nyhus published more than 370 scientific papers and his other textbooks, Mastery of Surgery and Hernia will continue to educate and influence surgeons worldwide.

He served as chairman of the American Board of Surgery, the International Society of Surgery, the Chicago Surgical Society, the Society of University Surgeons, and the Warren H Cole Society.

Oscar Sugar received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago in 1940 and his Doctor of Medicine from the George Washington School of Medicine in 1942.  He served as Captain Medical Corps, United States Air Force from 1943 to 1946.  

Dr. Sugar was the head of the University of Illinois department of Neurosurgery and he was one of Chicago's pioneers in the field of Neurosurgery. His long career as a neurosurgeon included several much publicized cases including one separating Siamese twins joined at the head. Known for his caring and compassionate  manner with patients, he felt "the biggest problem in medicine is the inability or unwillingness or incapacity of some physicians to take the time to explain the care needed" in terms the patient could understand.

Those of us who attended his Wednesday noon conferences at NPI when neurosurgeons from around town asked his advice remember how nice he was to all.  Dr Sugar was a resident at NPI along with my fellow resident Al Zuska's father who did his Neuropsychiatry residency while in the Navy, frequently wearing his uniform. As a resident, he spoke to Dr. Sugar about his father who he remembered, partly due to the uniform. Dr. Sugar loved to mention Bastille Day during July conferences, and also loved the term “candelabra”, for the brain’s vasculature seen on angiograms. When I told Dr. Sugar that the performance of angiograms with catheters was better for the patients instead with needle stick(s), he sent his patients to me.  

Dr. Sugar always had a warm smile and all who knew him remember him as a gentle person with a kind heart.

Olga Jonasson was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1934.  She was a transplant surgeon and she performed the first kidney transplant in the State of Illinois.  Her undergraduate studies were at Northwestern University.  She received had Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Illinois  and completed her surgical residency in the same institution. In 1965, she was certified by the American Board of Surgery, the 37th woman to be certified. In 1958, she developed the department of transplantation at UIC and she performed the first kidney transplant in the State of Illinois in 1969. In 1977, Jonasson was named the chief of surgery at Cook County Hospital.  This made her the first woman to be appointed chief of surgery of a major hospital.  In 1987, she left CCH when she was named Robert M. Zollinger Professor of Surgery at the Ohio State University.  I was fortunate that I worked at UIC and with Dr.  Jonasson because she asked me to perform a splenic embolization in one of her kidney transplant patients who had developed thrombocytopenia.  Having not done such a procedure I checked the available literature and found that all patients who had their spleen embolized had died.  I discussed with Olga the grave results of splenic embolizations and I told her also that I had thought the correct approach was doing a partial splenic embolization instead which I did and it worked.  I did several more successful partial splenic embolizatios that were the beginning of my academic career.

Tapas K. Das Gupta, world-renown surgeon, researcher, and mentor was defined by his love of science.  He was one of the world's leading of authorities on the treatment of melanomas and sarcomas. 

Dr. Das Gupta was born in 1932 in New Delhi, India.  He went to College at the age of fourteen and admitted to medical school at the age of sixteen. He completed his medical training in 1953 and passed all exams with the highest distinction.  However, he had grown frustrated by the colonial narrow-mindedness of the medical establishment in India and he decided to go to the US to further his medical career.  Starting at Mount Sinai hospital in Chicago, Dr. Das Guptas' hard work , dedication, and intelligence propelled him through the ranks of academia.  He went as a faculty at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.  In 1967, he was named the head of Surgical Oncology at the University of Illinois.  It was in that institution that Dr. Das Gupta grew to an international renown physician.  He authored hunderds of papers, mentored dozens of fellows, and saved thousands of lives.  He was a champion of women's rights and helped many female surgeons advance their careers despite the "old boys" network in surgery.  I was very fond of Dr. Das Gupta and asked his advice on medical issues as well when I was applying for chairmanships.  I am indebted to him for reciprocating and being always a good friend and advisor.

I mourn the passing of all four great doctors who were my mentors but I celebrate their contributions.

This post was authored by D G Spigos, MD, PhD, former Professor at the University of Illinois and Chairman of Radiology at Cook County Hospital and the Ohio State University Department of Radiology. 

This post is dedicated to Dr. Mimis Cohen who was born in Athens, Greece in 1947 and graduated from the University of Athens in 1970.  We knew each other during our time in medical school as I was the president of the student body. We later met again when we served in the Navy.  When he completed his tour of duty in the Navy he moved to the US and did his residency in Surgery at UIC until 1973. He then did Head and Neck plastic surgery at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital.  He worked at CCH  between 1986 to 1989.  In 1989 he became the chief of Plastic Surgery at CCH and at UIC and a tenured Professor.  UIC created a professorship in his name in 2024.  Dr. Cohen published many papers in referred journals and authored books on Plastic Surgery.  Mimis remained active after his retirement organizing symposia about the contributions of "Romaniotes Jews" in the cultural life and prosperity of Greece from antiquity till today ie for two millennia.  The Academy of Athens elected his a corresponding member a distinction offered to few for his contributions in the fields of science and culture.  He currently lives in Chicago and frequently travels to other countries teaching young physicians in the art and science of Plastic Surgery.  I was fortunate to having met him and for being a life-long friend of his.