Raymond Damadian: A Scientist Worth His Medal

Dr. Damadian with the history-making prototype of his MRI scanner, on display at the Smithsonian Institution‘s Hall of Medical Sciences.

Raymond Damadian is a brilliant inventor whose work has saved many lives. He invented the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. Damadian had such a big influence on medicine that he won several important awards. These included the United States’ National Medal of Technology and the Lincoln-Edison Medal. He also won a place in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Many consider the MRI machine to be one of the greatest breakthroughs in diagnosing illnesses. An MRI test can discover brain tumors, spinal problems, and damage to bones. It is a complex machine that uses magnets and radio frequencies to get an image of the inside of your body.

Before inventing the MRI, Damadian studied violin at the Juilliard School of Music. He won a scholarship when he was only 15, and the scholarship winners were then placed in a “lottery” for 4 competing schools, with the University of Wisconsin selecting Raymond. He decided to study mathematics at the University of Wisconsin. After that, he got a medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He also did some post-graduate residency work in biophysics at Harvard.

MRI Scan

This great inventor believes in a six-day creation and credits his success to God. His main reason for inventing the MRI was to learn that “the highest purpose a man can find for his life is to serve the will of God.” He believes society is in danger because the world keeps rejecting the truth of the Bible. Damadian said, “The idea that scientists who believe the earth is 6,000 years old cannot do real science is simply wrong.”

Fast Facts About Raymond Damadian

• The average MRI machine costs more than two million dollars in the United States.
• Damadian named his first MRI machine “Indomitable.” The Smithsonian Museum placed it on display.