Dr. Henry Wagner Jr., known as the "Father of Nuclear Medicine," passed away on Tuesday. He was 85.

Wagner was professor emeritus of medicine and radiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. and served as past president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

In a statement from Dr. Frederic Fahey, SNMMI's current president, he said Wagner's impact on the field of nuclear medicine was immeasurable: "He was brilliant and visionary both as a physician and a scientist. He was also jovial, gracious and generous with his time. Thus, for those who considered Dr Wagner their friend — and there were many around the entire globe — his loss will be even more profound."

At Johns Hopkins, Wagner trained more than 500 radiologists, internists, physicians, and scientists. According to the school's website, many went on to hold the position of president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine.

During his lengthy career, he pioneered research in imaging brain receptors with PET that helped doctors and researchers better understand the physiology of the brain. He was also known for his work on imaging the perfusion and ventilation of the lungs, kidney and spleen scanning, and myocardial perfusion with potassium-43.

"He was visionary in seeing the future possibilities for nuclear medicine on the way to it becoming molecular imaging," said Don Bogutski, founder and president of Diagnostix Plus Inc., a key supplier of nuclear medicine equipment and service.

Wagner was also a co-founder of the SNMMI Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship, which provides extensive training to Japanese physicians in the early stages of their careers.

A private funeral service will be held Friday, September 28, at 10:00 a.m. at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart Church, 5800 Smith Avenue, in Baltimore, Md.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made in Dr. Wagner's name to The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine or The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.


The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Office of Memorial Gifts
100 N. Charles Street, Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 North Wolfe Street, #Wb 602
Baltimore, MD 21205

A memorial service will be held for colleagues to celebrate Dr. Wagner's life on November 3, 2012, at Johns Hopkins University. Additional details regarding the memorial service will be distributed and posted on SNMMI's website once available.

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