Linda Meyers Fahr, MD, FACR - 1983 President of AAWR

Who had the biggest influence on your career?

The greatest influence upon my professional career was my father who frequently said to me “there isn’t anything a boy can do that a girl can’t do just as well”. Of course, I believed him and went on to become the first girl on the high school debate team, the first female radiology resident at the University of Iowa, and the first female president of the Houston Radiological Society.

My initial encounter with reality was not until my first radiology job interview when I was told “my wife will not let me hire you”. So, I began my career at the VA in Houston. Seven job locations later, I look back to see that I was department head at four of seven locations, beginning three years after residency. Being involved with the AAWR as a founding Vice President was a great opportunity for me to learn about other women’s professional experiences. Teaching residents at Loma Linda and Baylor were probably my two most rewarding positions. As my friend, Dr. Anne Hayman, says “you really have to understand something to explain it to others”. I really learned radiology best by teaching residents.

I am proud of my two sons, ages 36 and 38, with their PhDs in chemistry (pharmaceutical) and economics. My grandsons are ages 3 and 6 years. Recently I have begun to look forward to retirement and learning a lot of new things. It has been a great life!

I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support I have received over the last 26 years from my husband James D. Watson.

Linda M. Fahr vice-president of AAWR in 1982	From left to right: Linda Fahr, B.J, Uncle John, Jimmy and father Bruce. As most women will tell you that in spite of any professional achievements my sons and grandsons are the love of my life.

Linda M. Fahr, MD, FACR from Medical Clinic of Houston, TX.