Just a single visit was sufficient for Jay Kaiser, MD ’72, to select WashU’s School of Medicine.

“I received acceptance letters from three medical schools, but once I experienced WashU, the others didn’t matter anymore,” he states. “I was determined to be in an environment that provided such excellence in education and patient care. They assured me that financial concerns wouldn’t hinder my attendance there.”

Financial aid in the form of scholarships and loans enabled Kaiser to pursue his studies, laying the foundation for a remarkable career as a radiologist.

Following a residency and fellowship in diagnostic imaging at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), he established and expanded California Advanced Imaging Medical Associates (CAIMA), currently one of the largest private radiology practices in the Bay Area. He also dedicated part of his early career to traveling globally, instructing radiologists on utilizing new CT scanning technologies.

In 1989, Kaiser founded National Orthopedic Imaging Associates, one of the earliest teleradiology networks launched at the advent of the broadband era, under CAIMA. This nationwide network, specializing in orthopedic and spine imaging, enabled him to venture into the realm of professional sports by advising the San Francisco 49ers and other teams.

Although now retired from routine practice, Kaiser continues to work as a consulting radiologist and collaborates with two startup companies on AI research initiatives. He also contributes to WashU as an adviser for the School of Medicine’s National Council, a position he has held since 2006. Additionally, he and his wife, Ronnie, have been long-time advocates for medical school scholarships.

How did you come to be at WashU?

I was raised in a small community in Southern Illinois. My father was employed in the coal mines and had to retire at 65 while I was still pursuing my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. I was incredibly fortunate to attend a medical school of WashU’s caliber. It wouldn’t have been possible without support from the institution and from Ronnie, who was focused on painting. She dedicated an additional year to her studies to qualify as an art teacher, teaching art during my time in medical school.

What was your experience like in medical school?

Perhaps I’m reflecting on it with a nostalgic perspective, yet everything was exceptional. There were numerous outstanding instructors. Phil Needleman, who eventually became the head of the Department of Pharmacology, was an exceptional teacher in basic sciences. I had the opportunity to reconnect with him years post-graduation when we both participated in the medical school’s national council.

I completed a radiology clerkship with Hyman Senturia, a clinical faculty member at the historic Jewish Hospital, who epitomized clinical excellence. He evaluated every woman presenting a complicated mammogram to correlate the findings. Everyone sought his insights for second opinions. His guidance was crucial in my decision to pursue diagnostic radiology.

Additionally, Carl Moore was the head of medicine during my time there. He seemed like a Greek god to us students. He handled my decision to decline his offer to remain as an intern after my graduation with remarkable grace. I expressed my intention to move to Los Angeles since my wife was from California and I desired to head west. He calmly nodded and remarked, “Well, I’ll allow you to go, but you’re destined for UCSF.” That’s how I found my way to San Francisco.

Why have you remained engaged with the medical school?

The knowledge I acquired at WashU has supported me throughout my career. This holds true for my son, Scott, as well. I felt immense pride when he was accepted into medical school. He met his wife, Suni, there on his first day. Later, when I was invited to join the national council, I thought, “Of course, I’d love to give back in any way possible.”

What motivates your support for scholarships?

Given the evolving financial landscape of medical care, the capacity for future students to repay educational loans will be challenging, at best. Additionally, I am aware of the transformative impact the medical school had on my life and that of my son and daughter-in-law. Thus, why wouldn’t Ronnie and I strive to ensure that every capable individual, regardless of their financial situation, has an equal opportunity? Scholarships allow us to assist aspiring physicians, to give back to an institution that played a pivotal role in our success — and to contribute to society by helping one of the world’s finest medical schools cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. All of this ignites our passion to support WashU.

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