Renae Henkin Receives First Annual
Steven M. Pinsky MD
Distinguished Service Award

Robert E. Henkin, MD joins Sue Weiss
in presenting Gold Medal to Renae Henkin.

The 2005 CCSNM Annual Meeting marked the inaugural presentation of the Steven M. Pinsky, MD Distinguished Service Award or Gold Medal. The awards honors individuals who have contributed greatly to nuclear medicine or the Central Chapter, much like Dr. Pinsky did during his career.

Renae Henkin, former Executive Director of the Central Chapter, received the Distinguished Service Award during a ceremony at the 50th Anniversary Reception. Renae and her husband, Doctor Robert Henkin carried the Chapter through some difficult years but resigned at the end of 2003 to concentrate on restoring her health. In presenting the award, then Chapter president Sue Weiss said, “Renae was not just the Executive Director of the Central Chapter; she WAS the Central Chapter, putting her heart and soul into the organization. She took the Chapter from disarray and falling membership to what it is today, once again a healthy organization. Renae went far above and beyond the call of duty to put the Chapter back into fiscal health and sometimes single handedly put programs together when leadership could not spend time to do the work of the Chapter.“

Renae had worked for the Society of Nuclear Medicine at the national office prior to joining the Chapter and because of that, brought a considerable amount of expertise to her position as well as having a good understanding of Nuclear Medicine. She and her husband Bob were devoted to making the Chapter strong. They were both our greatest assets at a time when they were sorely needed. She is a true friend of the Chapter and its members.

The award was named after Steven M. Pinsky, MD, who passed away in 2004 after many years of leadership in nuclear medicine, radiology and in organized radiology.

Dr. Pinsky was born and raised in Milwaukee where his father, Dr. Leo Pinsky, a dentist and professor, instilled in his son an appreciation of both medicine and teaching. Following graduation from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, young Steven Pinsky moved to Chicago to attend Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.

Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Pinsky entered the radiology residency program at the University of Chicago Hospitals, where he later was appointed chief resident in diagnostic radiology. After completing his residency, he enlisted in the Army, rising to the rank of major and serving at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington.

Dr. Pinsky then returned to Chicago and was appointed chief of nuclear medicine at Michael Reese Hospital. He also served on the faculty of the University of Chicago, in time attaining the title of professor of radiology. He was subsequently appointed chairman of radiology at Michael Reese Hospital and was also elected president of its medical staff. In 1989, Dr. Pinsky was named chairman of the radiology department at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and chief of radiology at the UIC Medical Center.

During his exceptional career, Dr. Pinsky was particularly involved in organized radiology, serving as president of the Central Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and president of the Illinois Radiological Society. He was awarded fellowship in both the American College of Radiology and the American College of Nuclear Physicians. In recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of radiology, the Chicago Radiological Society awarded Dr. Pinsky its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, or the Gold Medal. Dr. Pinsky’s generosity and service extended beyond the scope of radiology, donating a room at Michael Reese Hospital, a conference room at the University of Chicago, and a children’s library at the Jewish Community Center in Northbrook.

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