Wayne Stephen Cail

Dr. Wayne Stephen Cail died prematurely on a quiet February evening in Charlottesville, Virginia. Wayne had lived and worked in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center for a good portion of his 52 years on this planet. Wayne's self-appointed task here was building a respected and growing neuroradiology service. The loss of his quiet and steady hand, discerning eye, and extensive knowledge has filled us with grief.

Wayne was born in 1947 in the then tranquil town of Miami, Florida, and attended Hialeah High School, graduating in 1965. He departed for Georgia Tech, and completed a B.S. in applied mathematics in 1970. He continued to be an avid supporter of the Yellow Jackets during his tenure at Virginia (much to our disdain), and sat amidst the Cavalier faithful during the Virginia-Georgia Tech encounters cheering the “Rambling Wreck.” We forgave him. Wayne returned to the University of Florida for medical school and graduated in 1974. His internship in internal medicine was served at the University of North Carolina, and then he came to the University of Virginia (UVa), beginning a 25-year association. His fellowship at UVa, under the guidance of Dr. Leon Morris, included a visiting fellowship in England learning direct-puncture carotid angiography. Upon his return, Wayne was appointed to the radiology staff at UVa in the Division of Neuroradiology, and progressed through the academic ranks, culminating in his appointment as professor of radiology and neurosurgery and in his position as director of the Division of Neuroradiology beginning in 1984. A boss more fair has never lived. Wayne recently had relinquished this title to serve as the vice chair of operations of the Department of Radiology in January of this year.

The story of academic progress is but a small part of the man, however. Wayne's inveterate bachelor status was overturned in 1993 with his marriage to Mary McDaniel. Inseparable, committed, and caring, their relationship defined Wayne. He and his previously sparse bachelor housing changed immeasurably. Wayne was also a much different person once outside the tight confines of the hospital. His capable joke telling, piercing laugh, and knowledge of many outdoor activities could surprise you. He was “Uncle Wayne” to my children from the time they were able to speak. A connoisseur of fine food, cars, and music, a wickedly daring and excellent skier, a sparkling wit—these were all Wayne.

Wayne loved neuroradiology, and devoted his life to it. He had served most recently as an examiner for the certificate of added qualification in neuroradiology, was a previous president of the Southeastern Neuroradiological Society, and served on the American College of Radiology Commission on Neuroradiology and on the MR Imaging Committee on Education. Wayne leaves behind a legacy of 20 years' worth of residents and fellows with a keener eye and a more acute appreciation of neuroradiology. He demanded dedication to neuroradiology from his fellows, and rewarded them with the sharing of his knowledge of and love for it. We will all miss him greatly.