Francis A. Burgener, M.D.
Dr. Francis A. Burgener joined the services of the University of Rochester in 1971 as assistant professor of Radiology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He rose through the ranks, becoming an Associate Professor in 1976 and a full Professor with Tenure in 1982. Early in his career he was one of the most prolific grant writers this institution has ever seen. Dr. Francis Burgener retired from the University in February 2023 after nearly 52 years of meritorious service.
Former chair, Dr. Harry Fischer brought him to Rochester to spearhead research on Iodinated contrast. While he was a pioneer on contrast medium, he extensively investigated hepatic vascular supply, portal hypertension. He created the first portosystemic venous shunt in a dog model from a transjugular approach which is currently known as a TIPS. This was prior to Dotter’s landmark invention of the vascular stent. To successfully create these shunts, he built vascular balloons in Hugo Schneider lab in Europe. These giants: Dr. Dotter, Dr. Schneider and Dr. Gruentzig all had scientific interactions with Dr. Burgener. Unbeknown to most, he was a founding member of the prestigious Society of Lymphography. Very few current radiologists even know the history of a classic lymphogram. While he was a world’s expert, he was proud of the fact he never performed the examination.
Additionally, he published widely in the fields of chest radiology, gastro-intestinal radiology, and cancer research as a primary or corresponding author in nearly 10 dozen papers. Dr. Burgener transitioned to clinical musculoskeletal radiology to fulfill the needs of the radiology department, a sub-specialty that he practiced exclusively for well over 30 years. During this period, he authored/co-authored up to 3 dozen books in general radiology and musculoskeletal radiology. Impressively, his books have been translated into at least eight languages worldwide making him one of the more widely read radiology authors in the European continent.
Dr. Burgener has garnered many honors and accolades in his professional life. He is a life-long member of the New York Academy of Science and sits on the editorial boards of European Journal of Radiology and Investigative Radiology. He was a member of the advisory Panel of the United States Pharmacopoeia on Radiological Contrast media.
Within the Imaging Sciences Department, he was known for his phenomenal memory. Having been here from the time of the legendary Dr. Harry Fischer tenure as chairman to the present day, it is easy to see how the mantle of Department historian fell uncontestably on his shoulders. It is generally known that one knew where one stood with Dr. Burgener and that he did not suffer fools gladly. He has earned tremendous respect and admirations of his colleagues and foes alike. Dr. Burgener is a great raconteur who has travelled the world. Residents and fellows alike enjoyed and admired his knowledge and teachings. He commands great respect within the orthopedic community. He is well known personally or by reputation to most of the orthopedic surgeons. His retirement has created a very difficult position to fill in department and an irreplaceable void in the musculoskeletal division.