Richard Ehman, M.D., receives Distinguished Alumni Award
Professor of radiology
Blanche R. and Richard J. Erlanger Professor of Medical Research
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic in Minnesota: Blanche R. and Richard J. Erlanger Professor of Medical Research, 2015–present; joint appointment, Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, 2004–present; professor of radiology, 1995–present; consultant, Department of Radiology, 1987–present; member, Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees, 2007–2014; member, Mayo Clinic Board of Governors, 2006–2014; associate professor of radiology, 1989–1995; assistant professor of radiology, 1985–1989; senior associate consultant, Department of Radiology, 1985–1987
Fellowships: Diagnostic radiology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota; Research, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Residency: Diagnostic radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Internship: Foothills Hospital, University of Calgary
Medical school: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
Undergraduate: Physics, University of Saskatchewan
Hometown: Saskatoon, Canada
PIONEER OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
When Richard Ehman, M.D. (RD ’85), joined Mayo Clinic staff in 1985, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was a new modality and its practical clinical applications outside the central nervous system were uncertain.
With his background in physics, experience with early MRI systems and creative problem-solving mindset, Dr. Ehman enabled Mayo Clinic to pioneer groundbreaking clinical applications of this new technology. He helped shape modern imaging science and led the Mayo Clinic body MRI practice to become one of the largest in the world.
Dr. Ehman is a consultant in the Department of Radiology, a professor of radiology and the Blanche R. and Richard J. Erlanger Professor of Medical Research at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Dr. Ehman is best known for his groundbreaking work in medical imaging and is credited with developing magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), which uses mechanical vibrations to measure changes in tissue elasticity. MRE has since been adopted by all major MRI manufacturers and established as the most accurate non-invasive test for detecting and diagnosing liver fibrosis. Dr. Ehman also played a crucial role in developing the technique known as spatial presaturation — which is now an essential component in clinical MRI studies worldwide — as well as techniques for vascular imaging, improving image quality and faster MRI scanning.
His curious and inventive personality has led to major advancements and 45 U.S. patents, and many of his inventions are widely used in medical care. His research has been continuously funded by competitive National Institutes of Health grants for over three decades.
His exceptional communication skills and diplomatic, strategic leadership have earned him presidential roles at multiple professional societies, including the Radiological Society of North America, the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, and the Society for Advanced Body Imaging. At Mayo Clinic, he served on the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.
Dr. Ehman is a prolific author, with more than 430 peer-reviewed articles, more than 560 abstracts, and additional books, book chapters, editorials and commentaries. Awards of note include the Mayo Clinic 2014 Distinguished Investigator Award and the Radiological Society of North America Outstanding Researcher Award and Gold Medal. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine.
The Mayo Clinic Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1981 by the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees to acknowledge and show appreciation for the exceptional contributions of Mayo alumni to the field of medicine, including medical practice, research, education, and administration. Individuals receiving this award are recognized nationally — and often internationally — in their fields. Read about the other 2025 recipients here.