William C. Banks, DVM

William C. Banks, DVM

Charter Diplomate

1911-1975

William C. Banks, DVM, Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at Texas A & M College of Veterinary Medicine died at his home in Brian, Texas on December 18, 1975. Dr. Banks was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 25,1911. He graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M University in 1941 and was first employed by that college from 1941 to 1944 as an Instructor. After two years of private general practice in Brian, Texas, he entered the Army Veterinary Corps.

In 1948 Dr. Banks returned to Texas A & M where he received the Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award. He was appointed Head of Radiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1951. He also served as a consultant at M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Banks initiated the action which formed the American Veterinary Radiology Society, and served as its second president in 1955. He was one of the five founding members of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. He was also a member of the American and Texas Veterinary Medical Associations, Texas Radiological Society, and the Rocky Mountain Radiological Society. In addition, he served as president of the Southwestern Chapter of the Society for Nuclear Medicine and became the first veterinarian to be named to the Board of Trustees in the Society for Nuclear Medicine. Dr. Banks was a member of the Phi Zeta and Sigma Xi Honor Societies.

Dr. Banks was a genuine individual, although rather quiet and reserved. He was an extremely competent radiologist, excelling in both the practical and theoretical aspects of radiology. He was at the forefront in the development of radiation therapy in both large and small animals and pioneered in the use of radioisotopes (Cobalt-60) in the treatment of malignancies. He made exemplary contributions as a veterinarian and veterinary radiologist to the science and practice of radiology, both on a research and practical level. He inspired and stimulated trust and confidence in his colleagues and associates.

Dr. Banks was uniquely qualified to nurture, cultivate, and stimulate the science of veterinary radiology as it developed into a specialty. He was an effective participant and a distinguished leader among veterinarians, scientists, and physicians as well as an avid golfer, a gentleman, and a friend to all. Veterinary radiologists as well as all others who associated with him personally and professionally will feel his loss deeply.

Dr. Banks is survived by his wife, Maurine Neely Banks, a son, Philip C. Banks of San Antonio, Texas, two daughters, Barbara Banks, a Texas A & M Graduate Student, and Mrs. James (Bonnie) Benson of Denver, Colorado, and one grand-daughter.

C. F. REID, DVM
Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 1976 17 (2), 87.