In 1977, the Pioneer Award, which honored an individual who significantly contributed to the growth and development of diagnostic ultrasound, was established. This special award was renamed in 1982, to honor Joseph H. Holmes, MD, who died that year. Dr. Holmes, the first person named as an AIUM pioneer, was an important figure to both the field of diagnostic ultrasound and the AIUM. His early efforts in ultrasound research, which included tissue characterization and ultrasound's diagnostic use in polycystic kidney disease and orthopedics, helped to advance the field of ultrasound and encourage others to conduct new research. Serving the AIUM in many capacities, Dr. Holmes was president from 1968 to 1970, and was editor of the AIUM's official journal, which was then titled, the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound, for nearly 10 years. Each year the Joseph H. Holmes Pioneer Award honors two current or retired AIUM members, one in clinical science and the other in basic science.