Alex Gottschalk recently received what his colleagues call one of the most prestigious awards in nuclear medicine.
Gottschalk, an MSU radiology professor, won the gold medal from the Radiology Society of North America, or RSNA, at the organization's 90th annual conference held Nov. 28 to Dec. 3, 2004.
The award is given once a year for excellence in the field of radiology.
Gottschalk was chosen for the award by the RSNA board of directors to recognize his many achievements and pioneering work.
"This gold medal is at the top of my list of life accomplishments," Gottschalk said.
Gottschalk also won a previous gold medal from the Association of University Radiology.
He has been the president of the Association of University Radiologists and the Society of Nuclear Medicine.
E. James Potchen, head of the radiology department, credits Gottschalk with being a pioneer of nuclear radioisotope scanning.
Radioisotope scanning is used to help diagnose diseases, tumors and infections and is still widely used today.
Gottschalk came to MSU in 1989 after traveling the globe teaching the technique of using radioisotopes in diagnostic medicine.
Potchen said the technique is now used more widely than Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRIs, in modern medicine.
"He's a real catch for Michigan State," said Potchen, who helped to bring Gottschalk to MSU. "He brings great credibility to the school - this is the biggest recognition radiology has."
According to RSNA president Brian Lentle, the award is typically given for past work.
Lentle said it's rare for a recipient to still be as active as Gottschalk.
"Not only has he done very good science, he has been a leader in keeping radiology cohesive," Lentle said. "The entire field has benefited from his instruction."
Gottschalk agrees he has no intention of slowing down any time soon.
The 72-year-old professor is currently working on new research in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, which are blood clots in the lungs.
"I still enjoy coming to work, and as long as that's the case, I'm not even thinking about retirement," Gottschalk said.
