Eldwin Roy Witwer, M.D.

Abstract

It is a trite saying that the honor should seek the man, not the man the honor. In the elevation of Dr. Eldwin Roy Witwer to the presidency of the Radiological Society of North America there can be no doubt that the man was chosen for the honor. Inasmuch as this office carries with it not only honor but responsibility and hard work, the selection of Doctor Witwer is especially fortunate, as he is singularly well equipped for the position by training and natural endowments. The executives of the Society who have worked with him in committee know of his genius for organization and management, as well as his untiring zeal. They have seen the excellent scientific exhibits produced during his five years as chairman of the committee having that matter in charge. A proper appreciation of his accomplishments, however, can be had only by those who have seen him in his daily activities during years of association. Doctor Witwer has become an important fixture in the Detroit Roentgen Ray and Radium Society. A past president, he has been re-elected secretary-treasurer for fifteen years. This annual draft is a tribute to his ability and willingness to serve with no thought but the need of doing the job. He has been an important cog in the affairs of local and state medical organizations and is at present secretary of the Wayne County Medical Society and a counsellor of the Michigan State Medical Society. Among his numerous duties has been service on legislative and hospitalization committees and as liaison agent between lay and military organizations. Of exceptional merit is his work as chairman of the Wayne County Medical Society program committee, which has produced excellent programs with outstanding speakers. Eldwin Roy Witwer was born in Huron County, Ontario, Aug. 23, 1890. His family early moved to Michigan, where he was educated in the public schools. For premedical training he attended Valparaiso University, and in 1914 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Detroit College of Medicine and Surgery, now Wayne University. After his graduation, Doctor Witwer went to Harper Hospital in Detroit, spending several years in the pathology laboratory of Dr. Plinn F. Morse. In 1920, after a course of special study in Cook County Hospital, he entered upon his radiological career as roentgenologist to the Charles Godwin Jennings Hospital in Detroit. In 1927 he became associated with the firm of Dr. Wm. A. Evans and Dr. Lawrence Reynolds in the practice of radiology, and now occupies the positions of radiologist at Harper Hospital, attending radiologist at Cottage Hospital and Marine Hospital, and consulting radiologist to Charles Godwin Jennings Hospital and Children's Free Hospital. Doctor Witwer has contributed numerous articles to the literature of radiology and has made frequent presentations and participated in many discussions at society meetings.