In the Loving Memory of Dr. Hemant Patel (1970–2025)

Dr. Hemant Patel was born in 1970 and he dedicated his life to radiology and medical education. He was also wholly committed to promoting professional leadership across India and the globe.

After graduating in medicine from Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, he completed his diploma in Radiodiagnosis in 1994, followed by MD in Radiology in 1995 and DNB in 1997.

His thirst for knowledge took him further to pursue postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, United States, and Carmel Hospital, Haifa, Israel.

A visionary and academic at heart, Dr. Hemant Patel was founder, director, and professor of Radiology at the Gujarat Imaging Centre, Post-Graduate Institute of Radiology and Imaging, Ahmedabad. He also established the Prismaa Onco Imaging Centre—a chain of positron emission tomography/computed tomography centers across Gujarat.

He served as Council member, Treasurer, and Honorary Secretary of the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology (AOSR) and was National President of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) from 2019 to 2020. He was also an executive committee member of the International Society of Radiology.

Dr. Patel also contributed immensely to radiology literature and education. He was the Editor-in-Chief of the Comprehensive Textbook of Clinical Imaging and author of numerous national and international publications, including in journals such as Radiographics and Neurographics.

He delivered over 350 lectures, presented more than 60 papers across Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), European Congress of Radiology (ECR), and global radiology conferences, and conducted workshops and CME programs throughout India and abroad.

He was the recipient of many honors including the Late Dr. Piyush V. Patel Award for Excellence in the Medical Field (2023), Roentgen Oration Award (2022), and Dr. Ram Rishi Oration Award (2017). His excellence was recognized internationally, with Cum Laude and other prestigious awards at RSNA and invitations to lecture in the United States, Europe, China, Korea, and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations.

Beyond academics and leadership, Dr. Patel was known for his warmth, charisma, and mentorship. He played a pivotal role in training generations of radiologists, guiding medical research, and uplifting the standards of diagnostic imaging across India. He also held key administrative and editorial positions, including Editor and Joint Secretary of IJRI and Coordinator for ‘India Presents’ at RSNA.

His love for young radiologists and zeal to empower them led him to form YUWA IRIA—the youth wing of IRIA—which was an instant success. His love for nature and sustainability drove him to initiate programs of tree plantation across India.

Dr. Patel's leadership extended to organizing major conferences, such as the 73rd Annual Conference of IRIA in Gandhinagar (2020) and the SOIICON 2023 in Ahmedabad. He spearheaded outstanding initiatives to expand access to radiology services in India, such as the IRIA Remote Radiology Program. Additionally, he stood as a patron of Sonosummit, where he inaugurated the international radiology ultrasound conference.

A multifaceted person, he was an accomplished powerlifter as well. He represented India and won a silver medal at the Open International Powerlifting Championship in Jamshedpur, January 2016—truly embodying the spirit of excellence in every endeavor.

Dr. Hemant Patel passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2025. He is survived by his beloved family members: his wife, Nirali Hemant Patel; his son, Dr. Shibiraj; and his daughter, Dr. Anokhi. He also leaves behind friends, colleagues, and countless students who continue to be inspired by his work and legacy. His contributions to radiology and medical education will remain immortal in the hearts of the Indian and global radiology community.

Our deepest sympathies go to his loved ones.

Publication History

Article published online:
16 September 2025