Dr William R.
"Bill" Hendee
A towering figure in medical physics whose scholarship, leadership, and generosity of spirit shaped a generation of scientists and clinicians worldwide.
A Legacy of Scholarship, Service, and Mentorship
It is with profound sadness that the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) mourns the passing of Dr William R. "Bill" Hendee — a leading figure whose contributions shaped our profession for more than five decades. His passing is a great loss to the global medical physics community, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bill was widely respected for his prolific scholarship, his landmark publications and textbooks on medical physics, and most notably for his distinguished nine-year tenure as Editor of the journal Medical Physics — an unparalleled contribution that elevated the scientific discourse of our field.
"His impact on science, education, professional leadership, and mentorship will not be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of medical physicists."
Within IOMP, Dr Hendee served as Chair of the Science Committee, earning him the deep respect of colleagues across all six regional organisations. He was elected a Fellow of IOMP and awarded the Harold Johns Medal — two of the organisation's highest distinctions — in recognition of his extraordinary contributions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill will be remembered as a generous mentor, a trusted adviser, and a steadfast friend. He guided and inspired colleagues, students, and early-career medical physicists with wisdom, humility, and extraordinary care. He was a role model whose legacy will continue through the many lives and careers he helped shape.
On behalf of IOMP, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service. May he rest in peace.
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr William R. Hendee has passed away. Dr Hendee was a great stalwart of medical physics and his passing is an immense loss to our field. For many of you, Bill was well known for his publications, books on medical physics, and more so as the editor of Medical Physics for nine years. His accomplishments, contributions, and accolades are strong, deep, and unique.
Personally, I had known him and his family from the time of my graduate school days. He was a mentor and a good friend to me, and I always remembered the kindness he showed to me and my family. I was very fortunate to have him as my mentor and adviser, one who helped me chart my path in the field of medical physics. I greatly admired how he treated others — especially students. He was a great role model and I will always recall how he helped and guided me and so many others in this field.
Dr Hendee addressing colleagues at an AAPM International Exchange Programme event
|
An evening gathering with medical physics colleagues
|
Bill among friends and colleagues at an AAPM International Exchange ceremony
|
With colleagues at an international medical physics conference (RSNA)
|
A cherished gathering with the global medical physics community
|