LAUSR

I present here three vignettes taken from my experiences in the earliest days of nuclear cardiology. I report them as I remember them, honored to have participated in the events of the time and associate with the colleagues involved, who all remain valued friends and professional associates to this day. The initial stories presented, preceded the origin of the Cardiovascular Council (CVC) of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC). These organizations were non-existent then and the stories relate strongly to the basis of their creation. These events planted the seeds leading to their establishment and lead to the strong growth of ASNC, the hub of Nuclear Cardiology practice, education, and research, now celebrating his 25th year. Another story, relating to the selection of the ASNC symbol, dates to the organization’s earliest days. I am grateful to my two friends and colleagues: to our society ‘‘historian,’’ Dr. Jeffrey Leppo, for his research and for listening and hearing new versions of old stories from someone who witnessed and participated in them and to our Journal editor, Dr. Ami Iskandrian for permitting me to present and publish these stories here. Before they are presented, I must share with you the features each of the first two stories have in common: