Dr. Charles Christian Shullenberger was born in 1914 in Missouri and raised in Missouri, then Iowa and finally Indiana, whereupon he graduated from Butler University in 1935. He then completed medical school at Indiana University in 1939. His education was interrupted by a brief enlistment in the Navy during World War II, where he was stationed in Japan. After his time in the service, he continued his training at the Mayo Clinic.
He began his career at MD Anderson in 1949 as an internist. He was also a prominent figure in the development of the hematology department and became the first chief of hematology in 1954. He was named the head of the Department of Medicine in 1970. Dr. Shullenberger served as the president of the Harris County Medical Society in 1976 and also served as the medical director of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center from 1974-1984. He was author or co-author of over 100 medical articles.
Dr. Shullenberger died at the age of 93 in April, 2006. He was survived by his wife and three children.
From the guide to the Charles Shullenberger Interview 1 ., April 26, 2001, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)