Alexander R. Margulis, MD, who served as the chair of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) department of radiology for 26 years, passed away on Sept. 7. He was 97 years old.

UCSF announced the news with a thorough tribute to Margulis and his impact on the university, and all of radiology, over the years.

After escaping the Nazis and sailing for the United States in 1944, Margulis was admitted to Harvard Medical School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, working as a clinical radiologist and the chief of medical education.

Margulis began his 26 years as chair of UCSF’s department of radiology in 1963. He also served as an associate chancellor and special consultant to the chancellor at the university, earning a reputation as someone who was always willing to help colleagues and students. 

“Most importantly, Alex was beloved by his many resident trainees who to this day revere him as a friend and mentor,” according to the tribute. “‘You will call me Alex’ were his first words to new residents starting their training. They viewed him as an avuncular father figure, always willing to help and encourage them in their endeavors during training and after leaving UCSF. In one-on-one encounters with his young faculty, Alex was nurturing in multiple ways, whether the issues were personal or professional. “