Dyer, Rolla E. (Rolla Eugene), 1886-

Physician.

Born in Delaware County, Ohio, Rolla Eugene Dyer earned his MD at the University of Texas in 1916. He immediately joined the Public Health Service. His field of interest was infectious diseases and he spent his first five years with the PHS working on bubonic plague in New Orleans. In 1921 he joined the Hygienic Laboratory's staff. In 1936 he became chief of the Laboratory's Division of Infectious Diseases. In 1942 he was appointed Director of the National Institute of Health, a position he retained until 1948. During his tenure, he helped found the National Heart Institute, the National Institute of Dental Research, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Dyer retired from the Public Health Service in 1950. He maintained an active role in many health organizations after his retirement and died in 1971.