Raymond Vahan Damadian (1936–2022) was an Armenian-American physician, medical practitioner, and inventor whose pioneering work revolutionized diagnostic medicine. Best known as the inventor of the first MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanning machine, Damadian’s innovation transformed the way physicians view the human body, enabling non-invasive imaging of soft tissues with unprecedented clarity. Born in New York to Armenian immigrant parents, Damadian combined a background in music and science—earning degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Harvard Medical School. In 1977, he built the first full-body MRI scanner, called “Indomitable,” and produced the first human scan. Despite controversies over recognition, his contributions remain foundational to modern medical imaging. Damadian was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and remained proud of his Armenian heritage throughout his life.
