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Harvey Picker

Barnes-Jewish Hospital St. Louis, MO
AJR

View larger version (113K): [in this window] [in a new window] [as a PowerPoint slide]   Harvey Picker, 1915–2008

Many of today's radiologists...owe important debts of gratitude for their academic careers to Harvey Picker and the Picker Foundation.

Harvey Picker, a member of a pioneering family in radiology, and a most important contributor to the development of the young specialty of radiology, died on March 22, 2008, at the age of 92. Born in New York City and educated at Colgate University, the Harvard Business School, and Oxford University, Picker joined the Picker X-Ray Company in 1938. The company was founded by Harvey's father in 1920 and became one of the leading equipment manufacturers under the leadership of Harvey Picker, Sr., and Harvey Picker, Jr. Picker was noted for the development of an Army field x-ray unit that was small enough to be used on the battlefield during World War II and sturdy enough to be parachuted into a battle zone when necessary. At the end of World War II, Picker and his father sent a check for $3 million representing the company's profits during World War II to the U.S. Treasury, noting that the family did not wish to profit from the war effort.

Picker became president of Picker X-Ray Company in 1946 and led the firm until 1971. During this time, the company became a noted name in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, the use of ultrasound, and standard diagnostic imaging. Following his retirement from the company in 1971, he led important academic efforts at Colgate University, the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, and as director of the Picker Institute.

Many of today's radiologists, including this writer, owe important debts of gratitude for their academic careers to Harvey Picker and the Picker Foundation. He and his foundation were important contributors in the 1960s and 1970s to the development of academic faculty members, who became leaders. More than 20 radiologists and scientists were funded for educational experiences and scientific projects in times when funding for radiology research was limited. As an example, funding from the Picker Foundation in 1969–1971 enabled me to attend Washington University's Graduate Schools of Business and Education. In addition to providing funds, Picker was personally interested in the development of young radiologists. For several years, he organized retreats that included senior leaders of the field and young investigators to share experiences and develop strategic programs for radiology.

Harvey Picker was a regular contributor to many causes in New York City, upstate New York, and the state of Maine. He moved to Camden, ME, in 1982 with avid interests in the state, its development, and its environment. Harvey Picker would be one of my nominees to a "Radiology Hall of Fame."

Harvey's wife, Jean, was an active collaborator in his many interests. She served as an ambassador to the United Nations during the 1960s and preceded him in death in 1990. He is survived by two daughters, Bobbi Hamill of Boston, MA, and Gale Jean Picker of Seattle, WA, and three grandchildren.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Ron Evens for preparing this thoughtful memorial on a valued colleague.

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This Article Figures Only Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Evens, R. G. Articles by Berquist, T. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Evens, R. G. Articles by Berquist, T. H. Social Bookmarking                      What's this? Hotlight (NEW!) What's Hotlight?