Focused Ultrasound Community Suffers Huge Loss

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Dear Friends,

With heavy hearts, we share the news that Ferenc Jolesz died suddenly early on December 31, 2014. His passing came as an enormous shock to those of us who knew him and thought he was immortal.

Ferenc was the father of MR-guided focused ultrasound – a visionary, driving force and lovable mad scientist who knew no bounds. He had the miraculous ability to overcome the most daunting obstacles, both professional and personal.

As a friend, a mentor, a colleague, a scholar and a healer, Ferenc created an enormous legacy. His impact was immeasurable. He leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, but his inventions, innovations and the disciples he trained will continue to improve the lives of countless patients.

– The Focused Ultrasound Foundation Team


Ferenc Jolesz smFerenc Jolesz, MD, was a world class visionary whose passion for pushing surgery into the 21st century led from developing image guided minimally invasive therapy to pioneering focused ultrasound as a completely non-invasive approach.

He completed medical training as a neurosurgeon in his native Budapest, Hungary before moving to the U.S. in 1979. Ferenc expanded his training to radiology and neuroradiology at Harvard and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). He then embarked upon a multi-decade research career to create the operating room of the future, seeking solutions that were years ahead of the community around him.

Ferenc helped create the world’s first MR-guided focused ultrasound system, and an early device was installed at BWH. Research was conducted for several years under Ferenc’s guidance, eventually leading to the FDA approval of a system to treat uterine fibroids and establishing the technology’s potential to non-invasively treat a range of serious medical conditions. Ferenc spent the last few years championing the use of focused ultrasound for the brain, and was especially interested in exploring treating the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Read his full biography here.

The Boston Globe published an article about Ferenc’s pioneering spirit and contribution to the field of ultrasound. Read it here.