In July of 1965 Dr. Fred Hodges, chairman of this department, began retirement furlough and was succeeded by Dr. Walter Whitehouse. During the first semester of 1941 Dr. Hodges spent a sabbatical period as research associate in the Radiation Laboratory at the University of California. Through this contact Dr. Hodges brought back to Ann Arbor the first consignment of radioactive phosphorus, which was turned over to the Simpson Institute for experimental treatment of leukemia. This was followed by p32 shipments at regular two-week intervals until the outbreak of the war. At Berkeley Dr. Hodges completed experimental neutron exposures of animals, begun in Ann Arbor with Dr. Lampe, using the Michigan cyclotron.
In 1941 this country's first program of admission x-ray chest surveying was begun at Michigan, funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Hodges, on leave in Stockholm, participated daily in radiological activities at the Karolinska Hospital. This contact with Swedish radiology was the first step in the development of close relations between the departments in Stockholm and Ann Arbor.
In 1956-57, Dr. Bjorn Nordenstrom, now chairman of radiology at the Karolinska, spent a year in the department in Ann Arbor. In 1954, funded by a sizeable research grant from the Atomic Energy Commission, and in part by the University Hospital, the General Fund of the University, and the Alice Crocker Lloyd Memorial Fund, a Center for Radiation Therapy was created, directed by Dr. Isadore Lampe. Utilizing carefully accumulated statistical data concerning the results of cancer treatment obtained with conventional 200KV x-ray equipment, Dr. Lampe was able to compare with those results subsequent accomplishments with isotope teletherapy (cobalt 60 and Cesium-137), comparable to x-rays produced with super voltage generators.
In 1950 the radiology staff developed and built a motor driven, roll-film camera for rapid sequential filming of the heart, following opaque injection. The shop also produced important modifications of equipment, unobtainable commercially, and x-ray film-numbering devices.
In 1956 an angiographic unit was developed within the main department in conjunction with thoracic surgery and the cardiovascular group in pediatrics. In 1957 the department installed mechanical film-processing equipment and, in 1961, fluoroscopic image intensifiers with television monitors.
Over the years the department has developed and maintained a workable system of filing and indexing to make accumulated radiologic diagnostic information available for clinical investigations and for teaching. Dr. Lampe has maintained a detailed system of recording results obtained with therapeutic radiation.
Since 1965 space remodeling has continued to achieve greater utility of existing space. Expansion into limited square footage previously assigned to blood chemistry and the transfer of pediatric radiology to the new Mott Hospital has been accomplished. Excellent and badly needed technical facilities have been provided for peripheral angiography and for neuroradiology. Jointly, with the urology section of surgery, efficient new facilities for all aspects of urologic diagnosis were established on the third level.
Fred J. Hodges
The University of Michigan, an Encyclopedic Survey Supplement, Page 205, 206
