St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital mourns the loss of Zoltán Patay, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging. Dr. Patay died suddenly July 22, while visiting family in Budapest. He was 65.
From the time he joined St. Jude as chief of the Neuroradiology Section in 2007, Dr. Patay was instrumental in growing what was then the Diagnostic Imaging Division into what is now the Department of Diagnostic Imaging.
Because of his work and dedication in recruiting top-notch practitioners who would help build a world-class department, he was named director of the department and was granted the Endowed Chair in Diagnostic Imaging in 2017. Despite his demanding role as a department chair, Dr. Patay also earned a strong reputation as a mentor who took time to help his peers.
Known worldwide for his work in pediatric brain tumor imaging, Dr. Patay frequently shared his expertise in international forums, helping improve diagnostic and therapeutic imaging-based assessments and treatments far beyond the walls of St. Jude. His work set comprehensive imaging standards for pediatric tumors of the brain, spinal cord, skull base, and head and neck.
Before joining St. Jude, Dr. Zoltán was chief of the Section of Neuroradiology at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a position he held for 10 years.
Born and raised in Hungary, Dr. Patay earned a medical degree from Semmelweis University Medical School in Budapest in 1982 and a doctorate from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1996. He trained in Hungary, France, and Belgium in adult neurology, radiology, and neuroradiology.
Dr. Patay is survived by his wife, Livia Villanyi; his son, Farkas Patay; and his daughter, Eszter Patay. He will be greatly missed.
