The first meeting of the Michigan Radiological Society was held on October 19th, 1921. The meeting, called by Dr. Preston M. Hickey, gathered most of the practitioners of radiology in the Detroit area with the goal of organizing a local x-ray society. By unanimous vote, the group adopted the name “Detroit X-Ray and Radium Society.” Dr. Hickey served as the first president, and under his leadership, the society began meeting regularly to strengthen professional collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.
In 1952, the group—by then known as the “Detroit Roentgen Ray and Radium Society”—adopted an amendment to its constitution requiring certification by the American Board of Radiology or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for admission. That same year, the society merged with the Michigan Association of Radiologists, creating a truly statewide organization that united radiologists across Michigan.
By 1954, the society was formally recognized by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which requested representatives from both metropolitan and outstate areas to serve as councilors at the annual meeting. A decade later, preliminary discussions were held regarding chapter status within the ACR. In 1966, a trial chapter was formed, and on January 8, 1970, the official name “Michigan Radiological Society” was adopted. From that point forward, the society served as Michigan’s official chapter of the ACR, linking local efforts with national advocacy and standards.
Since its inception, the Michigan Radiological Society has championed education, professional development, and advocacy for radiologists across the state. Through its programs and initiatives, the society has promoted excellence in patient care, advanced scientific discovery, and supported the next generation of radiologists. In October 2021, the society proudly celebrated its centennial—marking 100 years of advancing radiology in Michigan and looking ahead to the next century of growth and innovation.
Note: The information in this summary is a “work in progress.” The original version was written by Burt T. Weyhing, III, M.D., F.A.C.R., Historian (02/23/06), with additional contributions and attention from Larry Davis, George Kling, and especially E. Frederick Lang. Many of the facts are abstracted from a presentation given by Ray Gagliardi in 1974.
Burt T. Weyhing, III, M.D., F.A.C.R