Robert E. Henkin, MD, FACNM, FACR,
a dedicated leader, educator, and advocate in nuclear medicine, passed away at
age 83. A member of SNM (later SNMMI) since 1980, Henkin made significant
contributions to the Society and to the field.
Born in Pittsburgh, Henkin earned
his BA and his MD from New York University, followed by an internship at
Bellevue. He completed his residency in radiology in Chicago and later
specialized in nuclear medicine at Northwestern University. He served for 30
years at Loyola University Medical Center, where he was Director of Nuclear
Medicine, Director of the Nuclear Medicine Residency Program, Vice Chair of the
Department of Radiology, and ultimately Professor Emeritus of Radiology.
Henkin combined clinical work with
research and innovation. He published widely, authoring three books, 18 book
chapters, and more than 120 articles, along with numerous abstracts, reviews,
and exhibits. His research was supported by nearly one million dollars in grant
funding. He also founded UNM, Ltd., a consulting service focused on clinical
trial design, healthcare economics, reimbursement, and ethics.
Henkin made extensive
contributions to SNMMI. A member since 1980, he served in many leadership
roles, including on the Board of Directors and the House of Delegates. He was
especially active on the Coding & Reimbursement Committee for nearly 20 years helping
address key issues related to access and payment for nuclear medicine services.
He also served on numerous committees focused on
practice standards, guidelines, and professional development. As a mentor to
young professionals, he helped guide the next generation of leaders in the
field.
In 2012, Henkin founded the ERF Robert E Henkin, MD, Government Relations Fellowship to provide early-career nuclear medicine professionals with direct exposure to government relations activities.
Each year, the Fellow spends a week with SNMMI s Health Policy and Regulatory Affairs team visiting Capitol Hill and federal agencies to learn how legislative and regulatory processes affect the field.
Henkin's contributions to nuclear
medicine and his service to SNMMI will have a lasting impact on the field.