In Memory of:
John Mallard OBE, FRSE, FREng, FIPEM, FIUPESM
(14 January 1927 – 25 February 2021)
The late Professor John Mallard played a vital role in making it possible to use magnetic resonance to obtain whole-body images for the detection of diseases in patients. This story describes in detail how it was a very controversial time for him and other researchers racing to be the MRI inventor. Just who should have received the highest honour for the discovery of MRI technology in medicine became a bitter Nobel Prize argument for some. True to his nature, Professor Mallard remained aloof to such discussions.
In August 1977, the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) was established. Professor John Mallard was the overseas visiting expert at our Brisbane Scientific Conference. And, it was during that conference, the inaugural ACPSEM Executive unanimously decided to invite Mallard to be the College’s first Honorary Fellow (Hon. FACPSEM). I was fortunate enough to have been present at that time and had the opportunity to host his post-conference visit to Sydney.
In reading this 8 part MRI story, I hope you are able to obtain some of the outstanding qualities that Professor Mallard demonstrated to those around him – not only his scientific, research and inventor qualities but also the standards he set as an educator and a boss who cared about his patients and staff. Make sure you register as a subscriber to receive these issues as they are posted.
Professor Mallard died in February this year at the age of 94 years old. This story is dedicated to him in memory of his many achievements.
Lyn Oliver AM PhD 1 July 2021 ………………………………..Read the MRI Story
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