Michel Ter-Pogossian

Michel Ter-Pogossian (April 21, 1925 – June 19, 1996) was an Armenian-American physicist known for his pioneering work in the field of medical imaging. He is particularly recognized for his contributions to the development of positron emission tomography (PET).

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Michel Ter-Pogossian was born in Berlin, Germany, to Armenian parents. He moved to the United States to pursue higher education. Ter-Pogossian earned his undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and later completed his Ph.D. in nuclear physics at Washington University in St. Louis.

Career and Research[edit | edit source]

Ter-Pogossian joined the faculty of Washington University in St. Louis, where he became a professor of radiology and physics. His research focused on the application of nuclear physics to medical imaging. In the 1950s and 1960s, he worked on the development of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and later on PET.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)[edit | edit source]

Ter-Pogossian's most significant contribution was in the development of PET, a type of nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image of functional processes in the body. PET scans are widely used in oncology, neurology, and cardiology to diagnose and monitor various conditions.

Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]

Throughout his career, Ter-Pogossian received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medical imaging. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine. He also received the Ernst Jung Prize for Medicine and the Society of Nuclear Medicine's Paul C. Aebersold Award.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Ter-Pogossian was married and had three children. He passed away on June 19, 1996, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Michel Ter-Pogossian's work has had a lasting impact on the field of medical imaging. His contributions to the development of PET have revolutionized the way diseases are diagnosed and treated, making him a pivotal figure in the history of medical technology.

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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