The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) joins the radiology community in mourning the loss of Dr. Lee F. Rogers, a transformative leader, beloved educator, and devoted advocate for medical publishing. Named president of ARRS in 1988 and recipient of the 1993 Gold Medal, Dr. Rogers passed away on November 28, 2024, at the age of 90. He leaves an indelible mark on radiology and on ARRS, where his visionary leadership advanced the society’s mission of fostering excellence in radiologic education and research.
As just the 10th Editor in Chief of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) from 1996 to 2004, Dr. Rogers ushered in a new era for “the yellow journal.” His editorial innovations, such as the medicolegal column by Dr. Leonard Berlin and his acclaimed Editor’s Notebook, enriched AJR as it transitioned into the digital age with advancements like AJR Online.
Reflecting on his impact, AJR’s current Editor in Chief, Andrew Rosenkrantz, MD, shared the following words:
“Lee Rogers had a tremendous influence on radiology. During his tenure with AJR, he greatly propelled the journal forward, introducing many changes that helped shape the journal into what it is today. He was an amazing educator, mentor, colleague, and friend to many throughout the field. He will be missed by those who had the chance to know him, with his legacy greatly remembered.”
Dr. Rogers’ influence extends beyond the pages of AJR through the Lee F. Rogers International Fellowship in Radiology Journalism. This Roentgen Fund fellowship invites radiologists from around the world to work closely with AJR’s Editor in Chief and publications staff, cultivating the next generation of medical journalists and enhancing the quality of radiology literature worldwide. Through this program, Dr. Rogers’ passion for academic excellence and mentorship continues to inspire radiologists to shape the future of the field. Writing Dr. Rogers’ memorial in the January issue of AJR, Ronald J. Zagoria, MD, duly noted: “Working under Lee’s guidance in the journal office, a generation of editors, authors, and reviewers now reflect his virtues” [1].
In his own Editor’s Notebook for AJR in November 2003 [2], Dr. Rogers shared his heartfelt belief in the value of participation:
“Meaningful participation is a broadening experience. You become informed, gain insights into the world about you, make new and often lasting friendships, and may have the opportunity to make significant contributions to things that are of interest and importance to you.”
ARRS honors Dr. Lee F. Rogers’ profound participation in radiology, his mentorship, and his enduring vision. His leadership and intellect will be deeply missed but remain a guiding light for all who follow in his footsteps.
ARRS is also saddened to note the passing of former president and Gold Medalist John P. Tampas of Colchester, VT. Having ably served on the ARRS Executive Council for many years, Dr. Tampas was gaveled in as president of this society during the opening ceremony of the 1982 ARRS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA.
ARRS is also saddened to note the passing of former president and Gold Medalist John P. Tampas of Colchester, VT. Having ably served on the ARRS Executive Council for many years, Dr. Tampas was gaveled in as president of this society during the opening ceremony of the 1982 ARRS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA.
Earning both undergraduate and medical degrees from his beloved University of Vermont (UVM), Dr. Tampas chaired the radiology department at his alma mater for a remarkable 26 years. In 2006, UVM endowed the Soule-Tampas Green & Gold Professorship in Radiology—a faculty-funded position named after him and predecessor, Dr. Bradley Soule.
Dr. Tampas’ medical career was marked by continuous service to his profession. In 1956-1957, he volunteered to serve as a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon in Korea and was awarded the rank of captain. A frequent contributor to AJR, he was bestowed lifetime membership in ARRS. And for his distinguished service to this society, in 1992 in Orlando, FL, Dr. Tampas received the ARRS Gold Medal.
References
- Zagoria RJ. Memorial—Lee F. Rogers, MD. AJR January 2025; doi.org/10.2214/
AJR.24.32594 - Rogers LF. Editor’s Notebook: Thanksgiving and the Joys of Participation. AJR
November 2003; doi.org/10.2214/ajr.181.5.1811173