U.B. Medic 1914 yearbook photo. Performing surgery, circa 1900. Image from the University Archives (Image ID BF_Park_Roswell_001)

Roswell Park, MD worked at UB from 1883-1914. He was named Chairman of the Department of Surgery in 1884. In 1898, he started the first research laboratory dedicated to studying cancer. It now bears his name.

When President McKinley was shot in Buffalo in 1901 at the Pan American Exposition, Dr. Park was summoned to leave an operation in Niagara Falls to go to Buffalo. Before he knew the patient's identity, he reportedly said that he would not leave, "even if it were for the President of the United States." True to his word, he arrived just as another surgeon, Dr. Mann, was finishing up.

References:

1. Gage, A.A., Roswell Park, M.D.-The Parasitic Theory of the Cause of Cancer, in Medical History in Buffalo 1846-1996: Collected Essays, L. Sentz, Editor. 1996, Friends of the Abbott Library and School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo: Buffalo, NY. p. 163-177.
2. Mirand, E.A., Dr. Roswell Park's Lasting Legacy to the World in Developing the Concept of a Cancer Center, in Medical History in Buffalo 1846-1996: Collected Essays, L. Sentz, Editor. 1996, Friends of the Abbott Library and School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo: Buffalo, NY. p. 193-208.
3. Palmer, M.L., R.J. Weiss, and L. Sentz, Dr. Roswell Park and the McKinley Assassination, in Medical History in Buffalo 1846-1996: Collected Essays, L. Sentz, Editor. 1996, Friends of the Abbott Library and School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo: Buffalo, NY. p. 179-191.
4. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. History. 2020.

Images from the University Archives (Image IDs PA_20145_2 Wilson Greatbatch and BF_Gage-Andrew-A_001)

Engineer Wilson Greatbatch partnered with Drs. Gage and Chardack to develop an implantable cardiac pacemaker. Mr. Greatbatch "constructed several models in his workshop in Clarence, New York." After initial animal experiments, the device was tested in human patients at the VA. The pacemaker was deemed safe for use in 1960 and was implanted in patients with chronic heart block and heart rhythm disturbances. In 1996, Dr. Gage wrote: "The frustrations of the early years of pacing are attenuated by the successful outcome of the work."

References:

1. Gage, A.A., The Development of the Implantable Cardiac Pacemaker, in Medical History in Buffalo 1846-1996: Collected Essays, L. Sentz, Editor. 1996, Friends of the Abbott Library and School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo: Buffalo, NY. p. 247-256.
2. University at Buffalo. 2010 Distinguished Medical Alumnus: Andrew A. Gage, MD '44. 2010.
3. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Internal Pacemaker. 2020.

Dr. Eccles with Dean Surgenor, Buffalo Medical Review Spring 1968

Distinguished Professor of Physiology and Biophysics 1968-1975

Five years after he won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with his colleagues Dr. Andrew F. Huxley and Dr. Alan L. Hodgkin, Dr. Eccles came to work at the University at Buffalo. The trio were awarded the prize for "for their discoveries concerning the ionic mechanisms involved in excitation and inhibition in the peripheral and central portions of the nerve cell membrane." A new neurobiology unit was created for Dr. Eccles on the Ridge Lea Campus.

References:

1. Dr. John Eccles Will Join Faculty. Buffalo Medical Review, 1967. 1(4): p. 16-17.
2. Neurobiology Unit on Ridge Lea Campus. Buffalo Medical Review, 1968. 2(1): p. 30.
3. Other UB Nobel Laureates,. The Buffalo Physician, 1986. 19(5): p. 7.
4. NobelPrize.org. Sir John Eccles – Facts. 2020.

Image from the University Archives (Image ID BF_Guthrie-Robert_9)

Dr. Guthrie, a faculty member of microbiology and pediatrics from 1958-1986, developed a simple filter test to screen infants for phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that can cause developmental disabilities. His method allowed for earlier detection of PKU using blood instead of urine. In an essay published in Medical History in Buffalo 1846-1996, Dr. Guthrie explained that the filter-paper blood specimen was his "most important contribution" since it made it possible to screen one newborn for a variety of different conditions.

References:

1.    Gonzalez, J. and M.S. Willis, Robert Guthrie, MD, PhD: Clinical Chemistry/Microbiology. Laboratory Medicine, 2009. 40(12): p. 748-749.
2.    Guthrie, R., The Origin of Newborn Screening, in Medical History in Buffalo 1846-1996: Collected Essays, L. Sentz, Editor. 1996, Friends of the Abbott Library and School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo: Buffalo, NY. p. 257-268.
3.    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. PKU Test: Preventing Mental Retardation. 2020.

Dr. Holm (Image from the University Archives; Image ID holm_bruce_2002)

Dr. Holm, professor in Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pharmacy and Toxicology from 1989-2011, and Dr. Egan, professor in Pediatrics and Physiology and Biophysics, developed Infasurf, "a lung surfactant that has helped lower the mortality rate for premature newborns." The drug "decreases the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome."

References:

1. DellaContrada, J. Bruce A. Holm, UB Senior Vice Provost and Co-Developer of Life-Saving Drug for Infants, Dies at Age 52. February 10, 2011.
2. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Infasurf: Lifesaving Treatment for Premature Babies. 2020.
3. onybiotech. Edmund Egan, MD: Founder, Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer. 2020.

Images are from the History of Medicine Collection

Drs. Carl and Gerty Cori came to Buffalo in 1922 and worked at Roswell Park, which was called the State Institute for the Study of Malignant Disease. Dr. Carl Cori was an assistant professor of physiology at UB from 1927 to 1931. After leaving Buffalo, the Coris were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947 "for their discovery of the course of the catalytic conversion of glycogen." That year, the prize was shared with another researcher, Bernardo Alberto Houssay.

References:

1. Other UB Nobel Laureates. The Buffalo Physician, 1986. 19(5): p. 7.
2. NobelPrize.org. Carl Cori – Facts. 2020.
3. NobelPrize.org. Gerty Cori – Facts. 2020.

Image from UB Photo Database

Pharmacology and Therapeutics, later Biochemistry 1976-1984

Dr. Venter is a world renowned genomic researcher that "pioneered the use of automated gene sequencers." He mapped and sequenced the human genome when he was president and chief scientific officer at Celera Genomics. The results were published in February 2001 in the journal Science. He is founder, chairman, and CEO of the J. Craig Venter Institute.

References:

1. Shampo, M.A. and R.A. Kyle, J. Craig Venter--The Human Genome Projectt. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 2011. 86(4): p. e26-e27.
2. J. Craig Venter Institute. J. Craig Venter, PhD: Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer. 2020.

Medentian 1947

Dr. Lippes patented the Lippes Loop, an intrauterine contraception device. "The result was the plastic double “S” loop—a trapezoidal-shaped IUD that closely fit the contours of the uterine cavity, thereby reducing the incidence of expulsion." He was affiliated with the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1952-1999.

References:

1. Lippes, J., The Making of the First Loop, in Medical History in Buffalo 1846-1996: Collected Essays, L. Sentz, Editor. 1996, Friends of the Abbott Library and School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo: Buffalo, NY. p. 269-276.
2. University at Buffalo. 2011 Distinguished Medical Alumnus: Jack Lippes, MD '47. 2011.
3. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Lippes Loop Intrauterine Device. 2020.

Image from UB Photo Database

Dr. Nielsen was the second female president of the American Medical Association from 2008-2009. She is currently a clinical professor in the Department of Medicine and serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Health Policy. She has worked at UB since 1979.

References:

1. Peradotto, N., A Voice of Experience. Buffalo Physician, 2008. 43(1): p. 2-7.
2. Goldbaum, E. The Medical Society of the State of New York has awarded Nancy Nielsen its Highest Honor. 2018.
3. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Faculty Profile: Nancy Nielsen. 2020.
4. University at Buffalo. Faculty Experts: Nancy Nielsen. 2020.

Image from the University Archives (Image ID rahn_hermann_1)

Physiology 1956-1990

Dr. Rahn was "one of the pioneers in the study of physiology of man and animals in relation to different environments," studying pulmonary mechanics and blood gas-exchange. Dr. Rahn and his colleagues at the University of Rochester investigated whether "operational altitude of [US] Air Force personnel could be increased by breathing oxygen under pressure." He continued in this line of inquiry at Buffalo, looking into blood-gas exchange at high and low altitudes. This led to a project studying deep sea divers in Korea and Japan. In his later years, Dr. Rahn focused on gas exchange in avian eggs and its role in embryonic development.

References:

1. Distinguished Professor. Buffalo Physician, 1973. 7(1): p. 35.
2. Pappenheimer, J. Hermann Rahn 1912-1990: A Biographical Memoir. 1996.

Physiology 1851-1855

Dr. Dalton is credited with being the "first professional physiologist." He was the first to use living animals to demonstrate "the processes of life as he taught them in lectures," according to Mitchell. His book, Treatise on Human Physiology, was completed in 1859. He was also well known for another title, Topographical Anatomy of the Brain, which was published in 1885.

References:

1. John Call Dalton. Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1888. 24: p. 445-447.
2. S. Weir Mitchell. Memoir of John Call Dalton. 1825-1889. April 16, 1890.
3. Fine, E.J., et al., John Call Dalton, Jr., MD: America's First Neurophysiologist. Neurology, 2000. 55(6): p. 859-64.

Image from Buffalo Physician Feb. 1986

A mathematician and research professor of biophysical sciences, Dr. Hauptman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1985. He shared the prize with his collaborator Jerome Karle. The prize motivation was "for their outstanding achievements in the development of direct methods for the determination of crystal structures." Dr. Hauptman was affiliated with UB from 1970-2011.

References:

1. Kershner, B.S., Herbert Hauptman. Buffalo Physician, 1986. 19(5): p. 2-4.
2. Kershner, B.S., Nobel Laureate: An Interview with Buffalo's Newest V.I.P. Buffalo Physician, 1986. 19(5): p. 5-7.
3. NobelPrize.org. Herbert A. Hauptman – Facts. 2020.

Image from Wikimedia Commons (Source: National Library of Medicine History of Medicine Division)

Dr. Klein came to Buffalo in 1961 to work as a research professor and chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Roswell. Along with Dr. Isaac Djerassi, Dr. Klein invented a way to separate "whole blood into its components of plasma, red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells." These components could be used to address specific deficiencies. An added benefit was that it made more effective use of blood donations. In 1972, Dr. Klein was award the Lasker Award for developing "local antitumor chemotherapy for neoplasitc cutaneous lesions." He is credited with pioneering modern immunotherapy and devising the first effective treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma.

References:

1. Ambrus, J.L. and R.A. Schwartz, Edmund Klein, M.D. (1921-1999). J Med, 1999. 30(5-6): p. 291-8.
2. Schwartz, R.A., Edmund Klein (1921-1999). J Am Acad Dermatol, 2001. 44(4): p. 716-8.
3. Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation. 1972 Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award: Combination Chemotherapy for Lymphoma and Acute Leukemia. 2020.

Image from the University Archives (Image ID BF_Jacobs_Lawrence_002)

Neurology 1973-2001

Lawrence Jacobs, MD was a prominent neurologist and multiple sclerosis (MS) researcher. He received federal funding "to study [of] interferon's effectiveness in slowing or reversing the accumulation of physical disability in MS patients." Because of Dr. Jacobs' efforts, Avonex (the brand name of the drug) became the most prescribed drug for people "suffering from relapsing MS."

References:

1. Lois Baker. Lawrence D. Jacobs, Pioneer in Fight Against MS. 1998.
2. Rudick, R., Lawrence D. Jacobs, MD: 1938–2001. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2002. 124(1): p. 115-116.
3. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Avonex: Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. 2020.

Image from the University Archives (Image ID BF_Howe-Lucien_001)

Dr. Lucien Howe founded the Buffalo Ear and Eye Infirmary in Buffalo in 1876 and was professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Buffalo for over three decades, starting in 1879. He advocated for "treating ophthalmia neonatorum with a solution of silver nitrate," which would prevent eye infections and blindness in children. This became a state law in New York called the Howe Law. He founded the Howe Laboratory of Ophthalmology at Harvard, his alma mater.

References:

1. Eck, S. Pioneer Ophthalmologist: Lucien Howe, M.D. (1848 - 1928) 522 Delaware Avenue. 2015.
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Howe, Lucien. 2020.

Pathology 1883-1886

Dr. Peterson was a graduate of the medical school and served for a short period of time on the faculty in the 1880's. He was a pathologist, psychiatrist, and poet that briefly worked with Carl Jung in Zurich. He was the first professor of psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons (present day Columbia University).

Reference:

1. Jones, O.P., Dr. Frederick Peterson: Alumnus, Poet, Pathologist, Psychiatrist, Humanitarian. Buffalo Physician, 1970. 4(4): p. 38-53.