Ronald L. Arenson, MD Awarded RSNA's Gold Medal
The UC San Francisco Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging is pleased to announce that Ronald Arenson, MD, professor emeritus and longtime chair received a Gold Medal at the 2020 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting. The Gold Medal is the highest honor given by RSNA, and it is awarded annually by the board of directors to those persons who have, in the judgment of the board, rendered unusual service to the science of radiology. Typically, three medals are awarded each year in accordance with RSNA's bylaws.
"Ron is truly a visionary in the integration of informatics and radiology. All of radiology is fortunate to have Ron as one of our colleagues," said James P. Borgstede, MD, RSNA president. A unanimous vote by RSNA's Board of Directors is required.
Dr. Arenson joined the faculty at UCSF in 1992 and was the Alexander R. Margulis Distinguished Professor and Chair in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging until retiring in 2017. Here, his research focused on the applications of computer technology to imaging, and he implemented PACS technology when many institutions were still using analog imaging systems. He was a sought-after mentor to medical students, residents and fellows, and he spearheaded an innovative junior faculty mentoring program.
Other prominent leadership roles held by Dr. Arenson include past president of RSNA, past president of the Association of University Radiologists (AUR), the Society of Chairman of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD), the International Society of Strategic Studies in Radiology (IS3R), the Board of GE-Radiology Research Academic Fellowship (GERRAF) and the Academy of Radiology Research (AIR). Dr. Arenson was a founding member of what is now the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM). He is the past president of the medical staff at UCSF, and also the past chairman of the Credentials Committee. He also served terms on both the Advisory Council of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and the NIH Council of Councils.
Additional recognition received by Dr. Arenson in his career include the New York Medical College Alumni Medal of Honor in 2001 and gold medals from AUR, IS3R, and ARR. He received the Innovation and Leadership Award from the Radiology Research Alliance, the Visionary Leadership Award from the Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments, the Holly Smith Award for leadership from UCSF and the UCSF Health Leadership Award.
Congratulations to Dr. Arenson, renowned leader, educator, researcher and friend.
Biography courtesy of the UCSF Radiology and RSNA.