In Memorium: Harvey L. Neiman, MD, FACR

June 6, 2014 — Harvey L. Neiman, M.D., FACR, former chief executive officer of the American College of Radiology (ACR), died June 5 following a long illness. Neiman was widely considered a medical visionary who dedicated his professional life to improving patient care. “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, Jr., M.D., FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors.

Under Neiman’s leadership, the ACR rose to be one of the world’s largest and most influential medical specialty societies, taking historic steps to promote health care quality, safety and efficiency. He spearheaded ACR co-founding the Image Wisely and Image Gently initiatives to raise awareness of opportunities to lower radiation dose used in medical imaging. Dr. Neiman guided the development of the Dose Index Registry which helps imaging practices track, optimize and benchmark radiation dose used in patient scans. During his tenure, ACR successfully educated Congress to require accreditation of freestanding advanced diagnostic imaging facilities, improving the quality and safety of imaging care nationwide. “The initiatives undertaken by ACR during his time as CEO undoubtedly enabled dramatic improvements in patient care,” said James A. Brink, MD, FACR, vice chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors. 

For more information: www.acr.org