The University of Chicago Department of Radiology Alumni Society is named for Dr. Paul C. Hodges, former professor and chairman of the department. Dr. Hodges was born in Anderson, Indiana, on January 6, 1893, the son and nephew of physicians who operated a small hospital. His interest in medicine was kindled by his role as an apprentice working with the hospital's primitive x-ray equipment. Dr. Hodges earned a medical degree in 1918 from Washington University in St. Louis, followed by a BS from The University of Washington in 1919. He was later awarded his PhD at Peking Union Medical College in China, where he worked as a roentgenologist until 1927. That year, he began a sabbatical at the University of Chicago that turned into a 31-year career with the Department of Radiology.
Dr. Hodges created a research-oriented department at the university that focused on three main areas: improvement of x-ray systems for subspecialty applications; improvement of film development facilities; and, introduction of novel ancillary hardware such as a photo-timing exposure control. Under his leadership, the department achieved international recognition for excellence in clinical radiology, clinical research, and basic-science research that focused on reduction of patient dosages and improvement of diagnostic image quality. After mandatory retirement from the university, Dr. Hodges traveled, and practiced for an additional 17 years at the University of Florida. He retired to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he died December 27, 1996 after a brief illness.
Dr. Hodges' contributions to radiology were many, and include the development and use of innovative technological advancements such as photoelectric timing in collaboration with Russell H. Morgan; the definition of normal and abnormal findings in obstetrical, bone, chest, and gastrointestinal radiology; and the training of numerous leaders in the field.
Many honors came to Dr. Hodges; among the most significant were the Caldwell Medal (1953), the presidency of the American Roentgen Ray Society (1955-56), the Cravat of the Order of Brilliant Star, Republic of China (1963), the first Grubb Medal of the Chicago Radiological Society (1964), and the Gold Medal of the Association of University of Radiologists (1978). The Radiological Society of North America dedicated its 1992 Scientific Session in his honor.