The American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR) recently awarded Robert Lukin, MD, the organization's highest honor: the Gold Medal.
The University of Cincinnati (UC) professor of radiology and former chair accepted the award at the society's annual meeting in New Orleans on June 5, 2008.
The Gold Medal was established in 1995 to honor individuals who have made "exceptional contributions" to the field of neuroradiology. Medal awardees are selected for both professional and personal excellence.
"Bob Lukin has contributed mightily to the field of neuroradiology. He helped to shape the field as it was formed, and has worked to strengthen it ever since," says Gary Becker, MD, executive director of the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and vascular and interventional radiology professor at the University of Arizona.
"At the time when neuroradiology was emerging as a subspecialty, he guided the ABR and the ASNR through difficult-to-navigate waters," adds Becker. "Bob had a vision of how the new discipline would serve the public, and that vision has indeed been realized over the past 14 years."
As only the third radiology chair at UC, Lukin led the radiology department with what his colleagues called a "calm, strong leadership style" for 15 years. He stepped down as chair in February 2008 to focus on clinical activities. Mary Gaskill-Shipley, MD, currently serves as interim director of the department.
Lukin is credited with strengthening UC's radiology residency program and expanding clinical programs and services. He participated in the training of more than 300 residents and 60 neuroradiology fellows during his career.
"Despite his numerous contributions to the field of neuroradiology, Dr. Lukin takes greatest pride in his clinical practice and education of residents and trainees," says Frank Eggers, MD, a neuroradiologist in Memphis, Tenn., who completed fellowship training under Lukin at UC. "Even as chairperson, he maintained a significant role clinically, teaching residents and fellows on almost a daily basis."
During his tenure at UC—both as a division director and department chair—Lukin ensured that the radiology department regularly secured the most advanced equipment and implemented innovative new imaging techniques. He worked with the Jerome Wiot, MD, his predecessor, to bring the first computer tomography (CT) scanner to the Tristate in 1974.
Lukin served in a leadership role with the ASNR for 14 years as part of the executive committee responsible for managing critical issues related to certification.
"Dr. Lukin has been the individual most responsible for shaping subspecialty certification in neuroradiology through his service as a trustee on the ABR," says Douglas Yock Jr., MD, a fellow ABR neuroradiology trustee. "He has contributed a huge amount of time as well as diplomatic and organizational skill to this effort. Its success is largely a result of his ability and dedication."
As an active member of the ABR, Lukin was a board examiner for 30 years. In this role, he chaired a subcommittee that developed the first computer-based recertification examination for neuroradiology. He also played a key role in the development of subspecialty certification exams, which allowed neuroradiologists to be certified and examined within their subspecialty.