F. Frank Zboralske, MD, former director of diagnostic radiology at Stanford Medicine, leader in gastrointestinal radiology and dedicated educator, died June 3, 2026, in Carmichael, California. He was 93.
Zboralske joined the Stanford School of Medicine in 1967 as an associate professor of radiology and was promoted to professor in 1972, a position he held until his retirement in 1988. He became known nationally for his physiologic approach to gastrointestinal radiology and for his research into esophageal motility and esophageal disorders.
Under his leadership, Stanford Medicine’s diagnostic radiology division grew into one of the country’s leading academic programs, earning one of the earliest National Institutes of Health-supported training grants in diagnostic radiology. He also helped establish a diagnostic oncology section that provided specialized training in an increasingly important medical field.
As director of diagnostic radiology from 1967 to 1976, he oversaw a major expansion of the division, doubling faculty, resident and fellow positions and establishing dedicated sections in gastrointestinal radiology, neuroradiology, chest radiology, genitourinary radiology and ultrasound. His tenure helped shape the modern structure of the Stanford Medicine radiology department and strengthened its reputation as a leading center for clinical care, education and research.
Zboralske's colleagues often described him as a “physician for physicians,” as his expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to teaching made him a trusted resource in various specialties. Teaching and mentorship were an important aspect to his career, and he fostered a culture of collaboration, curiosity and excellence.
Zboralske directed Stanford Medicine’s radiology residency training program for 13 years and took pride in helping young physicians develop their careers. His enthusiasm for education and his ability to inspire others earned him deep respect throughout the medical community.
“Frank brought an infectious enthusiasm to everything he did,” colleagues wrote in a history of Stanford Medicine radiology, where he was remembered as a “great cheerleader” for the field and for the people around him. His positive outlook, energy and encouragement left a lasting impression on generations of faculty, trainees and staff.
A medical family
Born in 1932 in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, Zboralske grew up in a family deeply connected to medicine. The son of a surgeon, he earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Marquette University. He joined the faculty at Marquette; spent three years at the University of California, San Francisco; then moved to Stanford.
After retiring, Zboralske and his wife, Mary Zboralske, moved to rural Amador County in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where they spent much of their time hiking and fishing. He devoted himself to community service, serving as an assistant baseball coach and as a volunteer college counselor at Amador High School, where he helped students pursue educational opportunities. He was also active in the Amador Catholic Church, where he chaired the finance committee. Friends and family remember him as a lifelong teacher whose curiosity, generosity and enthusiasm enriched the lives of everyone around him.
Zboralske was preceded in death by his wife, who passed away in 2017. In his later years, he found companionship and happiness with Margaret McCaffery.
He is survived by his sons, Michael, Jim and Jack Zboralske; his daughter, Mimi Jackson; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
