Dr. Earl Barth graduated from Northwestern University Medical School in 1928 and joined its faculty in 1934. His span of years saw the introduction of nuclear medicine in his field as well as the division of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology.

Dr. Barth served as president of the Chicago Roentgen Society, the American College of Radiology and the American Roentgen Ray Society. He was a trustee of the American Board of Radiology and was chairman of the American delegation to the International Congresses of Radiology in 1962, 1965, 1969 and 1973.

Dr. Barth received an honorary doctorate from North Central College in 1968.