Harry W. Fischer, M.D.

Radiology Chair 1971-1985

In 1971, Harry W. Fisher, M.D., came from the University of Michigan to serve as the fifth Chair of Radiology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Dr. Fisher was a pioneer in contrast media development for radiological image enhancement. Under his direction, numerous research initiatives and clinical trials were completed. In particular, he developed low osmolar contrast agents in popular use today. Drs. Fisher and Bergner described early clinical techniques for intravenous cholangiography. Upon his retirement in 1991, he was considered as one of the world’s foremost experts on the use of contrast material.

Dr. Fisher was also very interested in department planning and brought the European model of departmental design to this country. He implemented these concepts for the Radiology department of the new hospital which opened in 1975. In 1977, the first CT scanner was installed and in 1984 the first MRI scanner operated as a community resource. He recruited and mentored many faculty who became nationally recognized for their research, including Beverly Wood MD, Robert O’Mara M.D., and Donald Plewes Ph.D.

Throughout his extensive career he also taught at the University of Iowa and the University of Michigan.