In memoriam: Larry Kramer, McGovern Medical School

Larry Kramer, MD, professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and a leader in magnetic resonance imaging for more than three decades, died Sept. 10.

Kramer joined the faculty at McGovern Medical School in 1990 and spent the next 36 years helping shape the institution’s clinical, education, and research programs in MRI. He served as the director of clinical MRI since 1991, chief of body MRI since 1997, and chief of cardiovascular MRI since 2005.

For colleagues who watched that growth firsthand, Kramer’s influence on MRI at UTHealth Houston is difficult to separate from the history of the program itself.

“I have known Dr. Kramer for the last 21 years and have been fortunate to witness firsthand the extraordinary impact he has had on our department,” said Professor Manickam Kumaravel, MD. “To me, he was the father of MRI at UTHealth Houston. He taught, guided, and inspired generations of faculty, trainees, and staff.”

Kramer’s expertise extended across numerous areas of MRI, including cardiovascular imaging, head trauma, spina bifida, body signaling, and techniques designed to improve the speed and capabilities of MRI. His colleagues recalled him as someone whose knowledge crossed subspecialty boundaries and who remained an important resource as MRI technology evolved.

That expertise also supported an extensive research career. Kramer authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications spanning MRI, neurological and pediatric imaging, cardiovascular imaging, and the physiological effects of spaceflight. His work included years of collaboration with NASA researchers investigating how microgravity affects the brain, eyes, blood flow, and other structures in the body.

Kramer’s contributions were recognized throughout his career. He received multiple teaching and research honors, including the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award, recognition as a Master Teacher at McGovern Medical School, and the Distinguished Physician Award from Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. In 2020, he was named a fellow of the American College of Radiology.

Education was also one of the defining parts of Kramer’s career. He directed the Cross-Sectional Body Imaging Fellowship program beginning in 2000 and the Body MRI Fellowship program beginning in 2005. He later became program director for the Thoracoabdominal Imaging and Women’s Imaging Fellowship programs and also directed the medical student CT/MRI elective and the resident body MRI rotation.

“Larry was a strong advocate for fellowship training and worked tirelessly to make sure his fellows had opportunities to learn as much as possible,” said Associate Professor David Wan, MD. “He would coordinate their experiences in other imaging modalities so they could broaden their knowledge and become well-rounded radiologists. That dedication showed how much he cared about the next generation.”

For the physicians he trained, that commitment often extended beyond the reading room.

“One moment I will always remember and cherish is when Dr. Kramer asked me to show a picture of my daughter,” said Swathi Kisara, MD, an assistant professor who trained under Kramer before joining the department at McGovern Medical School. “He cared enough to ask about a part of my life that had nothing to do with work. It may seem like a small thing, but it moved me deeply. It showed that he cared not just about the physician I was becoming, but the person and the life behind that physician.”

That combination of knowledge, patience, and personal investment emerged repeatedly in the memories shared by those who worked with Kramer.

“Dr. Kramer was one of the most brilliant individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing,” said Verlincia Williams, manager of educational programs in the department. “His intellect was extraordinary, but what truly set him apart was his kindness, humility, and genuine thoughtfulness. He had a passion for education and found great joy in helping others learn, grow, and succeed.”

Nicholas Beckmann, MD, a professor in the department who knew Kramer for two decades, recalled his broad MRI expertise and his leadership in MRI safety and protocol development.

“He played a significant role in the tremendous growth of MRI at our institution over the past three decades,” Beckmann said. “Like many faculty members, I found him to be an invaluable resource and mentor, particularly when developing and refining MRI protocols for the musculoskeletal imaging section. He will be greatly missed.”

Associate Professor Eduardo Matta, MD, remembered Kramer as a steadfast colleague, mentor, and friend.

“Dr. Kramer was a stalwart supporter of our department, a steadfast ally to our section, and a mentor to all who had the privilege of working with him,” Matta said. “His leadership and knowledge in MRI were unmatched, as was his dedication to the fellowship programs he built and sustained over the years.”

The Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging will honor Kramer with an upcoming event. Details will be released at a later date.