Richard G. Lester, MD, Dies at 99

Former RSNA president and Gold Medalist Richard (Dick) G. Lester, MD, died on May 16 in Edmond, OK. He was 99.

Dr. Lester was a distinguished academic and institutional leader in radiology. He earned his medical degree in 1948 from the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University in New York. He completed an internship at New York City Hospital, followed by a radiology residency at Stanford University Hospital in California.

While serving as captain in the U.S. Air Force and as a radiologist in Nagoya, Japan, Dr. Lester received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Lester held numerous academic and leadership positions nationwide. He served as professor of radiology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis-St. Paul and was professor and chair of radiology at several institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia (now Virginia Commonwealth University), Duke University Medical Center, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Dr. Lester also served in senior administrative roles, including as dean of Eastern Virginia Medical School and as president of Meharry Medical College, Nashville.

During his tenure at Meharry, Dr. Lester was recognized by former President Ronald Reagan for his efforts to advance educational access for minorities. His work was further acknowledged by the National Medical Association for his exceptional contributions to expanding educational opportunities across the U.S.

Deeply engaged in organized radiology throughout his career, Dr. Lester served as president of the RSNA Board of Directors in 1983 and was awarded the RSNA Gold Medal in 1988. He also held leadership roles with the American Roentgen Ray Society, Society of Pediatric Radiology, American Medical Association (AMA) and American College of Radiology, among others.

Dr. Lester was a member and leader of several RSNA committees, including chair of the Scientific Program Committee, Nominating Committee and the Membership and Credentials Board. He also served as vice chair of the Education Council and contributed to RSNA’s international and public information initiatives.

A dedicated supporter of the RSNA R&E Foundation, Dr. Lester was a Presidents Circle Donor for more than two decades. He served on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees Memorial Fund in the 1980s and was a Platinum donor to the Centennial Pathfinders Campaign.

Dr. Lester also contributed to RSNA publications, serving on the RadioGraphics editorial board from 1987 to 1993, and as an advisory editor and later consultant to the editor of Radiology from 1977 to 1991. He represented RSNA as an alternate delegate to the AMA House of Delegates and as a representative to the AMA Section Council on Radiology.

A lifelong advocate for education, equity and excellence in radiology, Dr. Lester leaves a legacy of transformative leadership and dedication to the advancement of medicine.