Lee F. Rogers

Eric J. Russell

doi:10.3174/ajnr.A8669

American Journal of Neuroradiology

I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr Lee F. Rogers at 90 years of age in Tucson, Arizona.

Dr Rogers served proudly in the US Army Medical Corps following graduation from the Northwestern University Medical School and in 1974 returned to Northwestern as Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiology, serving until 1995. In 1986, Lee recruited me to lead the Division of Neuroradiology and to develop the first Neurointerventional service at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Rogers (right) with Dr. Eric Russell.

Across the years, Lee’s clinical, academic, and organizational excellence led to his appointment to lead several major radiology organizations, including the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and later the American College of Radiology (ACR).

In the 1980s, Neuroradiology through the ASNR and interventional radiology and pediatric radiology set down a path for achieving recognition. Lee was in the right leadership position at the right time to strongly support these efforts. He became a tireless advocate for subspecialty certification. Through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, the concept of subspecialization in radiology faced significant resistance. Many feared it would fragment the specialty and dilute the value of the general radiology certificate. Dr Rogers, however, recognized that the growing complexity of imaging required specialized expertise.

In 1986, he published an influential American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) perspective piece arguing for the formal recognition of subspecialties like neuroradiology. He acknowledged concerns but contended that subspecialization was necessary to maintain high standards. He stressed that subspecialty recognition would enhance collaboration and improve the quality of care, particularly with increasingly complex imaging related to specialized clinical fields like neurology and neurosurgery. He strongly believed that subspecialty recognition would ultimately strengthen the field and benefit patients.

In the 1990s, Dr Rogers, as a member of the ABR board of directors, worked closely with the leadership of the ASNR to demonstrate the growing presence of neuroradiology as a distinct field, helping to gather data on fellowship programs, training institutions, and the increasing number of professionals dedicated to the subspecialty.

His leadership played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in neuroradiology, a key step toward formal subspecialty recognition. A key roadblock was opposition from general radiologists in several state radiologic societies, arguing that such recognition would disadvantage general radiology groups. As president of the ABR, he gave a keynote address at the national ACR meeting in 1993 and was so convincing for the need for subspecialty certification that these state societies withdrew their objection during a vote immediately after his speech, clearing the way for the process to move forward.

It was required that all medical specialties as members of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) had to approve the request of the ABR to award CAQs in neuroradiology (and interventional radiology and pediatric radiology). His skill in advocating for this approval at the ABMS was key in finally achieving the goal. This milestone clearly has had a lasting impact on the practice of radiology and medicine.

After stepping down as Chair of Radiology in 1995, Dr Rogers became Editor-in-Chief of AJR, where he introduced numerous innovations that elevated the reputation of the journal. Later, he practiced at the University of Arizona before retiring. Dr Rogers leaves a profound legacy in radiology, particularly in neuroradiology, and will be remembered for his leadership, vision, and dedication to the advancement of the specialty of neuroradiology.

Dr Rogers is survived by his children, grandchildren, and countless colleagues and mentees who continue to honor his legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially those in the field of radiology who benefited from his vision, mentorship, and advocacy. A private family service was held in November, and another will be held this spring in Chicago by Northwestern University.