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Memorial |
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Easton, PA 18045
Phoenix, AZ 85022
New Haven, CT 06520
New York, NY 10016
The reader's attention is directed to the review of the latest edition of
Dr. Pollack's book, Clinical Urography, on page 964.
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A lifelong Philadelphian, Howard attended Temple University for both his bachelor's and medical degrees. After a residency in urologic surgery at Episcopal Hospital in 1955, he served in the United States Air Force as chief of urology at the 1100th United States Air Force Hospital in Washington, DC, at which time he also served as advisor to the Surgeon General's office.
On returning to civilian life, Dr. Pollack entered the private practice of urology until a serious hand injury abruptly ended his surgical career. In his inimitable inspirational manner, he faced this tragedy as just one more hurdle, transforming it into the beginning of a legendary career in academic radiology. After a radiology residency at Temple University Hospital, he became chairman and professor of radiology at Episcopal Hospital. In 1977, he was recruited to the University of Pennsylvania to be the founding director of the division of uroradiology, where he practiced until his retirement in 1993.
Howard was a prolific and elegant writer who authored more than 200 scientific papers, making almost as many presentations at societies; 65 book chapters; and five textbooks, including Clinical Urography, which at three volumes and more than 3400 pages, is acknowledged as the definitive encyclopedia of that specialty. The second edition rolled off the press only a few short weeks before his death.
His encyclopedic knowledge of all things uroradiologic mesmerized audiences around the globe, and he was invited to be a guest lecturer or visiting professor on more than 250 occasions, of which 28 were named or honorary lectureships. His seminal contributions to Radiology were recognized by the awarding of the gold medals of the Society of Uroradiology, the American Roentgen Ray Society, the Pennsylvania Radiological Society, and the Radiology Centennial Gold Medal. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Philadelphia Roentgen Ray Society, Alumnus of the Year Award of Temple University, the Clinical Innovator Award of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center (for his part in inventing the endorectal coil for prostate imaging), the Moses Swick Award from Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Hartman Medal from the Society of Uroradiology.
Dr. Pollack served on the editorial boards of over a dozen medical journals and held office in leadership or educational roles in many specialty societies, including president of the Society of Uroradiology, which he helped found. He was a fellow of the American College of Radiology, the Society of Uroradiology, and of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Howard Pollack was a pioneer in the radiologic diagnosis and therapy of a variety of conditions, the development of sonographic criteria to characterize renal masses (described with his long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Barry Goldberg), the development and refinement of interventional procedures in the urinary tract, the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones, and endoluminal MR imaging. Not surprisingly, this creative innovator had six patented inventions to his credit, all in the field of uroradiology.
Astonishing as these professional achievements were, none of his numerous accomplishments or awards changed him. The most endearing and memorable aspects of Howard Pollack's personality were his warmth, self-deprecating humor, even-tempered and diplomatic disposition, and his humility, characteristics that garnered respect, affection, and reverence from colleagues, patients, and students alike. His almost embarrassed response to praise and recognition was the understated reply that it was "nothing" and that others deserved more credit than he did, a trait that struck a chord with everyone, especially his sons who will tell you that he was their greatest teacher, bar none. For them, his absence leaves a painful void where Dad is no longer available to offer sage advise or put issues into proper perspective.
Howard Pollack's extracurricular interests ran the gamut from art to history, literature (the detective novel was a particular passion), music (he was an accomplished jazz pianist), and sports. He was above all a baseball fanatic and a repository of all manner of sports trivia. It was appropriate that his retirement party from Penn was a "Jeopardy"-like sports trivia competition and not the usual somber farewell. Instead Howard and his colleagues were pitted against local sports figures and analysts from print and electronic media. To no one's surprise, Howard's team won resoundingly in the first "Docs versus Jocks" competition at Penn Radiology.
Dr. Pollack's life goal after retirement was to tour every sports museum and Hall of Fame so that he could author a definitive guide to these treasured jewels of Americana. Sadly, this was one goal that he was unable to fulfill.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Shanlee, and three sons, all physicians, of whom two, Matthew and Stuart, are radiologists, and one, Andrew, is a dermatologist. He also leaves behind his sister, Sandy Gold, and three grandchildren.
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