Remembering Thomas Imray, MD, former radiology chair

Thomas Imray, MD, longtime faculty member and chair of the UNMC Department of Radiology from 1982 to 1996, died on Monday at the age of 83. Dr. Imray continued to serve on faculty until he retired in 2005 as professor emeritus.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 12, at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2207 Wirt St. in Omaha. Masks are required. The family has asked for memorials to Cues Schools in lieu of flowers. Services will be livestreamed on Sacred Heart Omaha's YouTube page.

Dr. Imray directed the radiation science technology education program from 1982 to 1993 and was instrumental in recruiting top radiologists from across the country to UNMC, as well educating many medical students, residents and fellows. He received numerous Outstanding Teacher Awards.

“Dr. Imray was an outstanding clinical radiologist and teacher,” said Craig Walker, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Radiology. “An endowed professorship was created to honor and remember his many outstanding contributions to the department and UNMC. Personally, Tom was a dear friend and valuable mentor.”

The Thomas J. Imray, MD, Professorship in Radiology was established through the University of Nebraska Foundation and currently is occupied by Mark Keiper, MD.  

Said Dr. Walker, “While his accomplishments were many, among them was the establishment of three endowed faculty positions in the department that are of enduring benefit and value today. Our department will be forever strengthened because of Dr. Imray’s leadership and the gifts of our many former residents who contributed generously to these endowed faculty positions.”

Dr. Imray received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by an internship at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco and radiology residency at the University of Minnesota. He served as a major in the US Army Medical Corps at the Teikyo University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, from 1972 to 1973.

After returning to the United States, he served at the Medical College of Wisconsin as an assistant professor of radiology. In 1980, he was appointed associate clinical professor and chief of diagnostic radiology at University of California, Irvine. In August 1982, Dr. Imray joined the UNMC Department of Radiology as professor and chair.

Dr. Imray was actively involved in the American College of Radiology Nebraska Chapter, participating in many committees and serving as president. In 2006, he received the chapter’s highest honor, “The Silver Medal Award." The award reflects the highest standard of the Nebraska Radiological Society based on exceptional quality, service and excellence.

The funeral notice is posted online.

5 comments

  1. Carol Russell says:

    He will be missed. Got to know him through Carla, his wife, who was an active member of the University Hospital Auxiliary, a wonderful support group for UNMC.
    Carol Russell

  2. Tom O’Connor says:

    Dr. Imray was a class act. It was always a pleasure to work with him, and he was instrumental in building our great radiology program.

  3. Jane F Potter says:

    Back in the 'old days' I would love every opportunity to review chest films with Dr Imray. He was always so welcoming and a great teacher of faculty, residents and students.

  4. Barb Rake says:

    What a wonderful and beautiful tribute a husband father and grandfather❤️ Who will be missed but not forgotten. RIP

  5. dave hahn says:

    floored by the news. Dr. Imray was a warm and welcoming presence to our family when living in Omaha. Thank you for putting up with us noisy kids in your basement all those years!
    -dave hahn

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