Making Cancer History Voices Oral History Collection

Dr. Peter Almond was born in Downton Wiltshire, England in 1937. He received in undergraduate honors degree in physics from Nottingham University in 1958 and training in Medical Physics from Bristol University in 1959. Afterwards, he moved to Houston, Texas and received his Master’s Degree and his doctoral degree in Nuclear Physics from Rice University. He joined the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in 1964 as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Biophysics; he became an Assistant Professor and Assistant Physics the following year. When he left the institution in 1985, he was a Professor of Biophysics, Head of the Radiation Physics Section, and the Director of the Cyclotron Unit in Department of Physics. From 1985 to 1988, Dr. Almond was the Vice Chairman of Research and Professor in the department of Radiation Oncology at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center of the University of Louisville. Following his retirement, he returned to MD Anderson to teach part-time in the Department of Radiation Physics.

From the guide to the Peter Almond interview OH-GehanE-20040604., June 4, 2004, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Eleanor MacDonald was born on March 4, 1906 in Sommerville, Massachusetts to Angus and Catherine MacDonald. She attended and graduated Radcliffe College in 1928. At Harvard Medical School, she studied under E. Bidwell Wilson which led to her eventual appointment as the Epidemiologist to Boston’s State Cancer Program. Her work there lead to the publishing of her seminal work “The Incidence and Survival in Cancer” in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1948. Her work in New England caught the attention of Dr. R. Lee Clark who recruited her to be the head of the newly created Department of Epidemiology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. During her tenure she developed a 200-code method for transcribing patient charts that provided statistical information to M. D. Anderson’s physicians and researchers. She retired from the institution in 1982 and had been serving as professor emeritus since 1974. She was among the first female scientists inducted into the Texas Medical Center Hall of Fame. She passed away in Houston, Texas on July 26, 2007.

From the guide to the Eleanor MacDonald interview OH-Macdonalde-20000519., May 19, 2000, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Cecil Brewer is a trailblazer in the field of nursing. He was among the first black male nurses at M. D. Anderson and possibly the first. Brewer joined M. D. Anderson in 1970 as a student nurse and became a Registered Nurse (RN) two years later. In 1992, he was honored by Texas Nurses Association (TNA) District 9 for achievements and contributions to the nursing profession. Brewer attributes his strong work ethic to being raised on a farm and learning responsibility at an early age.

From the guide to the Cecil Brewer Interview 1 OH-BrewerC-20060614., June 14, 2006, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Emil “Tom” Frei, III, attended St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri before attending Colgate University through the Navy’s V-12 program during WW II. From there, Dr. Frei attended Yale Medical School and graduated in 1948. Dr. Frei also served during the Korean War as a physician. He began his civilian career as the Chief of Medicine at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 1955 before moving to MD Anderson in 1965. During his time at MD Anderson, Dr. Frei became the first Head of the Department of Development Therapeutics, which evolved into the Clinical Research Center. He continued at MD Anderson until 1972, upon which time he moved to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. During his career, Dr. Frei has authored many articles regarding the treatment of cancer, particularly the areas of Hodgkin’s disease. He has also been noted for his successful combinations of chemotherapy in children’s leukemia as well as post-surgical chemotherapy treatments. Dr. Frei has also received many awards during his career. Some of them include: Mary Lasker Foundation award (1973); Jeffrey A. Gottlieb Memorial Award (1978); NIH Distinguished Alumni Award (1990); Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1999); Pollin Prize (2003); and AARC Lifetime Achievement Award (2004). In 2007 the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Southern Nevada Chapter held the inaugural Dr. Emil Frei III Symposium, which is a continuing medical education program for oncologists, hematologists and other personnel. Dr. Frei is retired, but continues to serve as Physician-in-Chief, Emeritus, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

From the guide to the Emil Frei, III Interview 1 ., December 18, 2001, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. James M. Bowen earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Midwestern University in Wichita Falls. In 1961 he received a Ph.D. in microbiology from Oregon State University. He then spent one year as a postdoctoral research fellow at M. D. Anderson. He joined the M. D. Anderson faculty in 1964 as an assistant professor of virology and became a full professor less than a decade later. During his 12 years spent at M. D. Anderson, he coordinated one of the most extensive educational programs at any cancer center. In 1982 Dr. Bowen was named vice president for academic affairs. During this time he co-chaired the committee that wrote a Code of Ethics for M. D. Anderson. He was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in 1987 and as a Distinguished Alumni Fellow of Oregon State University in 1988. Following his retirement in 1994, Dr. Bowen continued to serve M. D. Anderson as a professor emeritus.

From the guide to the James M. Bowen Interview 1 OH-BowenJ-20000327., March 27, 2000, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Ti Li Loo, PhD was born in Changsha, China, in 1918. He received his bachelors degree in science from Tsing Hua University in Peking in 1940 and his doctorate in pharmacology from Oxford University in 1947. He was married to Marie, a mathematician, and they had three children. Dr. Loo came to MD Anderson in 1965 after working at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). He became a Professor of Developmental Therapeutics (Pharmacology) and founded the first Section of Pharmacology. During his 20 years at MD Anderson, Dr. Loo researched over 50 chemical compounds to determine their effectiveness in the fight against cancer. He has authored or co-authored over 160 papers and was awarded the Jeffrey A. Gottlieb Memorial Award in 1987 for his outstanding contributions to cancer therapeutic research. Dr. Loo retired from MD Anderson in 1985, at which time he became a research professor in pharmacology at George Washington University School of Medicine as well as a consultant in developmental therapeutics at NCI. Dr. Loo passed away on October 9, 2007.

From the guide to the Ti Li Loo Interview 1 OH-GehanE-20030328., August 29, 2001, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Jan Van Eys, M.D., Ph.D. moved from the Netherlands to the United States to study biochemistry at Vanderbilt University where he received his Ph.D. in 1955. In 1957, he joined the faculty at Vanderbilt acting as Assistant Professor of Biochemistry. An interest in clinical activities led to his leaving Vanderbilt to study medicine at the University of Washington. He completed his medical education at the University of Washington in 1966 and then returned to Vanderbilt where he accepted an appointment to both the pediatrics faculty and the biochemistry faculty. From 1969 to 1973, he was Chief of the Pediatric Hematology Clinic at Vanderbilt where he focused on an active program of both research and clinical practice. In 1973, Van Eys left Vanderbilt to become a leading pediatric hematologist-oncologist and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He later was appointed Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. During that time, he published considerably in the field of medical ethics, as well as in oncology and biochemistry. After retiring from the University of Texas in 1994, Van Eys returned to Vanderbilt as a clinical professor of Pediatrics and senior scholar at the Ethics Center.

From the guide to the Jan Van Eys Partial Oral History Interview 1 Van_Eys_Jan_20021230., December 30, 2002, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

James D. McKinley’s college education began in 1941 at San Angelo Junior College (now Angelo State), but was put on hold after finishing his associate degree. He enlisted in the Army for three years during World War II. After being discharged from the service, Mr. McKinley attended the University of Texas where he graduated in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. He then decided to pursue a master’s degree in hospital pharmacy at the University of Maryland, one of the few schools in the country to offer the program. Upon graduation, he moved to MD Anderson to organize the first pharmacy. Due to limited space at the hospital in the early days, when Mr. McKinley began the pharmacy he was given a room that measured nine feet square and that had been converted from a restroom. He served as the entire department for three years while they were located at the Baker Estate before moving to the new building. Feeling that he had achieved all the goals he had created for himself and the pharmacy, he stepped down as Chief of Pharmacy Services in 1977 but continued to serve in the capacity as assistant. He served MD Anderson for more than 30 years before retiring.

From the guide to the James D. McKinley Interview 1 OH-McKinley-JamesD-20030327., March 27, 2003, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Ornell Balzer was one of the first four nurses to work at M.D. Anderson. She was born in Shaws Bend, near Columbus in central Texas and graduated from the Brackenridge School of Nursing at University of Texas in Austin in 1949. Her career at M.D. Anderson began in 1949. She spent three years at M.D. Anderson before leaving to work in a doctor’s office. In 1960 Ms. Balzer returned to M.D. Anderson as the head nurse during the start of the cancer center and later worked in radiotherapy. She was well-known to many employees at M.D. Anderson and can be seen in photos in the MdGovern Visitors Gallery and in the historical text, “The First Twenty Years of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute.” Ornell Balzer passed away on October 9, 2005 at the age of 93.

From the guide to the Ornell H. Balzer Oral History Interview 1 Balzer_Ornell_20030904., September 4, 2003, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Peter W. A. Mansell pioneered AIDS research in Houston. In 1973, Dr. Mansell began researching immunostimulants, the agents that stimulate the body’s immune system. In 1975, he published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute the beneficial role of beta-1, 3-glucan in treating cancer. Since then he has published hundreds of articles, abstracts, books and chapters on AIDS, oncology, glucans and beta glucan activity and immune system diseases. In September 1981, Dr. Mansell joined M. D. Anderson as Associate Director of Cancer Prevention. A few months after his arrival, he was faced with a peculiar case that would later be recognized as Houston’s first AIDS patient. Dr. Mansell enlisted a small team that included Sue Cooper, a social worker at M. D. Anderson. Together they spread awareness by educating the community. In 1986, the federal government awarded a $5.8 million contract to M. D. Anderson to further its research program on AIDS. At this point Dr. Mansell was Director of the AIDS Research Program and principal investigator on the contract. This contract afforded Dr. Mansell to open the Institute for Immunological Disorders in August 1986. The Institute was the first in the country devoted entirely to research and treatment of AIDS. Sue Cooper devoted herself to the new institute as the only social worker to counsel AIDS patients and their families. The Institute closed in December 1987. Dr. Mansell left M. D. Anderson in 1989.

From the guide to the Dr. Peter Mansell and Sue Cooper Oral History Interview 1 OH-MansellP-20030238., February 28, 2003, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Thomas Stull Matney was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 21, 1928. He moved to Texas when he was a child and stayed there for most of his education. He received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas in 1948. The following year, he received a Bachelor’s in Chemistry as well. He stayed at Trinity to get a Master’s in Biology in 1951.

While working on his thesis on bovine reproduction at the Southwest Research Foundation for Research and Education (now the Southwest Research Institute), he met Roy Mefford, Jr. who advised him to enlist as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. He worked at the Fort Derrick Biological Warfare Laboratories in Maryland; first as an Officer then as a Civilian Military Bacteriologist. In 1958, he returned to Texas to earn a PhD in Bacteriology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1958.

He joined MD Anderson in 1962, working in the biology department. He became the First Associate Dean for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Post retirement, he was a professor emeritus of genetics and environment science at MD Anderson.

He was married to Glenda Matney nee Oglesby until her death in 1990 and had three children with her. He remarried Nancy Lee Matney. He remained in Houston and was active in various charities and scientific/medical organizations. He died in Houston on November 28, 2010. Among his awards are the Thomas Stull Matney Professorship in Cancer Genetics and the Thomas Stull Matney Professorship in Environmental and Genetic Science.

From the guide to the Thomas S. Matney Oral History Interview 1, Oh-MatneyT-20070926., September 26, 2007, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Gerald P. Bodey was born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania on May 22, 1934. He attended Lafayette College where he graduated magna cum laude in 1956. After completing his medical education at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Bodey spent three years at the National Cancer Institute. An interest in acute leukemia led to his joining the faculty of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 1966 where he collaborated with Dr. Emil Freireich in establishing adult acute leukemia service. In 1975, he became a professor of medicine and served as chief of the Cancer Chemotherapy Branch in the Department of Developmental Therapeutics. Later, he founded the Section of Infectious Diseases and was appointed the first director of the Office of Protocol Research. In 1987, Dr. Bodey was named chairman of the Department of Medical Specialties, a post he held until he retired in 1995.

Dr. Bodey is an internationally recognized figure in leukemia research, having lectured professionally in numerous countries. In addition, he has authored or co-authored more than 1,000 publications and has been recognized twice by the Institute for Scientific Information as one of the 300 most cited authors in scientific literature. In 2004, Dr. Bodey was recognized by the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with a lectureship in his honor for his many years of service in fighting infections in neutropenic patients. Dr. Bodey currently resides in The Woodlands, TX where he retains the title Emeritus Professor in the Department of Medicine in the Section of Infectious Diseases at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

From the guide to the Gerald P. Bodey, M. D. Oral History Interview 1 Bodey_Gerald_20030303., March 3, 2003, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

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)

Edmund A. Gehan, Ph.D., was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1929. He attended Manhattan College where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Gehan was awarded his Doctorate in Applied Statistics from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He taught Applied Statistics from 1955 to 1957. He worked for the National Institute of Health (NIH) in 1958 and was the head of the Biometrics Section of the Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center in 1959. He was a member of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Gehan’s work in Biostatistics brought him to Houston as a professor at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in 1967; the institution was a member of the Southwest Oncology Group at that time. Prior to his appointment at M. D. Anderson, he collaborated with Drs. Emil Frei III and Emil J. Freireich cancer research. Gehan has coauthored numerous articles that influenced the development of cancer research with the use of data analysis in clinical trials. Two of which include the 1965 Biometika journal article “A Generalized Wilcoxon test for Comparing Arbitrarily Singly-Censored Samples” and the 1974 New England Medical Journal article “Non-randomized Controls in Cancer Clinical Trials.

Since 1994, Gehan is a Professor Emeritus of Biostatistics at Georgetown University Medical Center.

From the guide to the Edmund Gehan oral history, OH-GehanE-20030328., March 28, 2003, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Roger W. Anderson received his undergraduate pharmacy degree from Ferris State University in Big Rapid, Michigan in 1964. Following that, he got a Master’s Degree in Hospital Pharmacy from The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio in where he also completed his Hospital Residency in 1968. Dr. Anderson came to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1978 when he was appointed Director of Pharmacy and was appointed Vice President of Pharmacy.

While working at for one of the largest hospital pharmacy systems in the country, Dr. Anderson worked to improve pharmacy automation, use of anti-cancer medications, and reduce environmental hazards of handling hazardous anti-cancer agents. In 1992, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists awarded him the Harvey A.K. Whitney Award, which is the society’s highest honor.

He also received a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health in 1997 and was an Professor of Clinical Pharmacy Practice at the University of Houston. After leaving MD Anderson in 2004, he was a senior vice president and chief pharmacist for Medco Health Solutions and Chief Pharmacy Officer for US Oncology, Inc.

From the guide to the Roger Anderson Oral History Interview 1, Anderson_Roger_20040518., May 18, 2004, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Renilda Hilkemeyer is one of the pioneers of oncology nursing. She was born in the small town of Martinsburg, Missouri, in 1915. Due to the size of the local school, Hilkemeyer finished her high school education in another town and worked to pay her living expenses. She received a diploma from St. Louis’ St. Mary’s Hospital School of nursing in 1936. Her nursing career began as a private duty nurse, but she also worked as an operating room nurse and a public health nurse. Unable to work in the early 1940s because of tuberculosis, she studied at the George Peabody College for teachers in Nashville, Tennessee. She believed in the philosophy that one learns best through hands-on experience. Her background in community outreach made her an effective director of the Missouri State Nurses Association and a member of the Department of Health. Ms. Hilkemeyer developed a program to teach nurses about cancer. She worked for the American Cancer Society and was on the Nursing Advisory Committee. Her expertise in cancer and treatment of patients brought her to the attention of Dr. R. Lee Clark. He saw her as the ideal candidate for the new director of nursing position at M. D. Anderson; she joined the institution in 1955. Her strong work ethic, hard stance developing on policies and procedures, and pioneering spirit pushed the traditional boundaries of women and nursing.

Ms. Hilkemeyer’s innovations set M. D. Anderson apart from other medical institutions at the time. She established many procedures and practice guidelines that encouraged greater collaboration among doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, which increased the quality of patient treatment at the hospital. For example, Ms. Hilkemeyer created teaching guidelines on how to perform intravenous therapy and chemotherapy. Originally, only physicians performed these procedures. Her other accomplishments include: building triangular unites for nurses in order to monitor patients; establishing a rehabilitation unit; and building a child care center for the Houston Medical Center.

Ms. Hilkemeyer was a member and chair of many nursing and cancer committees. She was the first nurse to receive the American Cancer Society’s Distinguished Service Award. In 1988, she received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service from St. Louis University. She helped establish master and doctoral programs in nursing. Ms. Hilkemeyer’s procedures and practices are still an integral part of contemporary nursing education.

From the guide to the Renilda Hilkemeyer Oral History Interview 1 Hilkemeyer_Renilda_20000523., May 23, 2000, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Frederick Becker was born on July 23, 1931 in New York City. He received a B.A. from Columbia College and M.D. from New York University School of Medicine. Prior to joining M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Becker was Director of the Department of Pathology at Bellvue Medical Center.

Becker joined M. D. Anderson in 1976 as Chair of Pathology. He served as the first Vice President for Research from 1979 to 1998, during which time he redesigned the center’s research format, recruited outstanding basic scientists and department chairs, promoted collaborative interdisciplinary research and shepherded extensive physical expansion. From 1998 until 2001, he was a special advisor to M. D. Anderson President John Mendelsohn, M.D., who credited Becker with “creating the scholarly climate in which research has flourished at M. D. Anderson.”

When Becker retired as vice president for research, he was honored with the creation of the Frederick F. Becker Distinguished University Chair in Cancer Research. Since October 2001, Becker has been a professor of molecular pathology, working with colleagues in multidisciplinary laboratories to extend research in the fields of microfluidics and dielectrophoresis as well as to develop a new class of anti-tumor agents.

From the guide to the Frederick Becker Oral History Interview 1 OH-BeckerF-20080619., June 19, 2008, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

James D. Cox was born in Ohio in 1938. He graduated from Kenyon College in Gambier Ohio with a degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He graduated with honors from The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Density in 1965.

Prior to joining MD Anderson, Dr. Cox served as a professor and chairman of Radiation Oncology at Colombia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. In 1988, he became the Vice President of Patient Care and Physician-in-chief at the MD Anderson. From 1995 to 2010, he served was the Division Head of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson where he also served as Professor.

From the guide to the James D. Cox Oral History Interview 1, OH-CoxJ-20040319., March 19, 2004, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Peter W. A. Mansell pioneered AIDS research in Houston. In 1973, Dr. Mansell began researching immunostimulants, the agents that stimulate the body’s immune system. In 1975, he published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute the beneficial role of beta-1, 3-glucan in treating cancer. Since then he has published hundreds of articles, abstracts, books and chapters on AIDS, oncology, glucans and beta glucan activity and immune system diseases. In September 1981, Dr. Mansell joined M. D. Anderson as Associate Director of Cancer Prevention. A few months after his arrival, he was faced with a peculiar case that would later be recognized as Houston’s first AIDS patient. Dr. Mansell enlisted a small team that included Sue Cooper, a social worker at M. D. Anderson. Together they spread awareness by educating the community. In 1986, the federal government awarded a $5.8 million contract to M. D. Anderson to further its research program on AIDS. At this point Dr. Mansell was Director of the AIDS Research Program and principal investigator on the contract. This contract afforded Dr. Mansell to open the Institute for Immunological Disorders in August 1986. The Institute was the first in the country devoted entirely to research and treatment of AIDS. Sue Cooper devoted herself to the new institute as the only social worker to counsel AIDS patients and their families. The Institute closed in December 1987. Dr. Mansell left M. D. Anderson in 1989.

Dr. Earl Shelp’s background is in medical ethics, theological ethics and pastoral theology. He received a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Seminary in 1976. During the AIDS epidemic in 1985, he collaborated with Dr. Mansell and focused his efforts on the disease and its challenges to religion, ethics, medicine and public policy. Together they authored AIDS: Personal stories in a pastoral perspective in 1986.

From the guide to the Peter Mansell, Sue Cooper and Earl Shelp Interview 1 OH-MansellP-20040920., September 20, 2004, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Margaret Kripke, Ph.D. is widely regarded as a trailblazer and role model for women in medical science, academia and executive leadership. She has supported and mentored countless colleagues, employees and trainees throughout her distinguished career. Dr. Kripke’s many accomplishments include: first woman chair of an M.D. Anderson academic department, Immunology; pioneering research focused on ultraviolet radiation’s role in skin cancer; creation of the field of photoimmunology, the study of interactions between light and the immune system; first female member of the institution’s management and executive committee; first woman to attain the title of Senior Vice President and, ultimately, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer; two-time appointment by President George W. Bush to the three-person President’s Cancer panel, on which she continues to serve under President Barack Obama.

A native of California, Dr. Kripke received her Ph.D. in immunology from the University of California at Berkeley and completed postdoctoral work at Ohio State University. After three years on the University of Utah faculty, she joined the National Cancer Institute – Frederick Cancer Research Facility, where she advanced to director of the Cancer Biology program. After joining M.D. Anderson in 1983 as professor and founding chair of the Department of Immunology, she entered administration in 1998 as Vice President for Academic Programs. She was promoted to Senior Vice President in 1999 and Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer in 2001.

Dr. Kripke’s reputation at M.D. Anderson and throughout the international cancer research community led to the 2008 establishment of the Margaret L. Kripke Legend Award. This award recognizes scientific and medical leaders who have made extraordinary efforts to hire a diverse workforce, promote women to leadership roles, nominate women for awards and otherwise advance their careers.

From the guide to the Margaret Kripke Interview 1 OH-KripkeM-20071213., December 13, 2007, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

John Mendelsohn, M.D. is the third person who has served as president of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Under his leadership and direction, the institution has emerged as the nation’s premier cancer center. It has more than doubled in size and has been named the top cancer hospital in the nation seven out of the past nine years in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" survey, including 2010.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 31, 1936, Mendelsohn earned both bachelor’s and medical degrees from Harvard University and spent a year in Scotland at the University of Glasgow as a Fulbright Scholar in biochemistry. Following his residency training in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, he completed a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and completed a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Washington University Medical School.

In 1970, he joined the faculty at the University of California, San Diego, becoming founding director of the National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center there. In 1985, Mendelsohn moved to New York where he chaired the Department of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for 11 years. In addition he held the Winthrop Rockefeller Chair in Medical Oncology, served as co-head of the Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and served as professor and vice chairman of medicine at Cornell University Medical College. Mendelsohn accepted the appointment of president at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1996.

Dr. Mendelsohn has received multiple honors and awards for his contributions and advancements in cancer research and patient care. Past honors include the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2002), the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal (2005), the Dan David Prize in Cancer Therapy (2006), and the Dorothy P. Landon-AACR Prize for Translational Research (2008). He has been on numerous editorial boards as well as serving for ten years as the founding editor-in-chief of Clinical Cancer Research. Mendelsohn has also authored more than 250 scientific papers and articles for journals and books.

After guiding and directing MD Anderson during many years of remarkable growth and expansion, Dr. Mendelsohn announced on December 6, 2010 his plans to relinquish his position as president until a new successor is appointed. He will continue to have an active role in carrying out the institution’s mission by remaining on the faculty as co-director of the new Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy.

From the guide to the John Mendelsohn, M. D. Oral History Interview 1 Mendelsohn_John_20050103., January 3, 2005, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Mavis Parrott Kesley, co-founder of Houston’s Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, was born in Deport, Texas on October 7, 1912. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Texas A and M in 1932 and a Medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas in 1936. He returned to teach at UTMB in Pathology after a rotating internship at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. He then worked for Scott and White Clinic. In 1939, he served a three year fellowship in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. During his fellowship, he served in the Medical Corps of the US Army Air Force from 1941 to 1945 earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He returned to Rochester to earn a Master’s Degree in Internal Medicine from the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in 1947.

In 1949, he moved to Houston, Texas to establish a clinic. He convinced fellow Mayo Clinic colleagues Drs. William Seybold and William Leary to form what would eventually become the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. He retired from his clinic in 1985 after 37 years of service.

While establishing his practice in the 1940s and 1950s, he also worked part time at the newly formed University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center as an Associate Internist and even served as acting dean for the Postgraduate School of Medicine. While at MD Anderson, he established an isotope lab and worked in research thyroid cancer.

Mavis Kelsey married Mary Randolph Wilson in 1939. The couple had four sons. Following his retirement, Dr. Kelsey remained in Houston and was active in various medical and charitable organizations.

From the guide to the Mavis P. Kelsey, M. D. Oral History Interview 1, OH_Kelsey_Mavis_20090511., May 11, 2009, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Tao-Chiuh (T. C.) Hsu is considered internationally to be the father of modern cytogenetics. He was born and raised in China where he did his undergraduate work at the National University of Chekiang in1941. Dr. Hsu came to the United States to pursue graduate studies in zoology at the University of Texas in Austin, 1948. This was followed by doctorate studies and post-doctoral research at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston from 1951 to 1955. In 1952, Dr. Hsu accidentally discovered the hypotonic solution to separate a chromosome, a breakthrough for cytogenetic research.

Dr. Hsu became associate professor at M. D. Anderson in 1955. He built a laboratory which fostered an international community of scientists in cytogenetic research. Dr. Hsu always welcomed collaboration and helped identify a unique method of charting individual segments of chromosomes.

Dr. Hsu’s contribution to medical research includes over 300 scientific articles. He was the editor for the Atlas of Mammalian Chromosomes and the author of a book in cytogenetics. Dr. was a member of several influential cellular research societies, including the National Institute of Health section of cellular studies and the American Society for Cell Biology. He was also a prolific guest speak at numerous cancer and genetics conferences. . Dr. Hsu was a well respected faculty member at M. D. Anderson, where he won numerous awards recognizing his work. He also held several presidential and chair positions within the institution. . Dr. Hsu passed away July 9, 2003 at the age of 86.

From the guide to the T. C. Hsu oral history OH-HsuTC-20010411., April 11, 2001, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Born in Genoa, Italy, Dr. Montague was raised in Pennsylvania. She received her M.D. from the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania (now known as the Medical College of Pennsylvania) in 1950. She then spent two years in Japan, where her husband was stationed in a MASH unit, and where she also worked as a radiologist. Upon her return, she completed her residency in Radiology at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York. She then began an American Cancer Society fellowship at MD Anderson’s Radiotherapy Department in 1959. Dr. Montague has been a member of the staff at MD Anderson since 1961, and became a Professor of Radiotheraphy in 1973.

Dr. Montague has authored or co-authored over 100 articles regarding the treatment of cancer. She has received many honors and awards during her career for her contribtions to the field of oncology. Some of them include: 1984 - Alumnae Achievement Award; 1984 - Past State President’s Award from the Texas Federation of Business and Professional Women; 1985 - Janeway Medal from the American Radium Society; 1986 - Gold Medal of the Radiological Society of North America; 1986 - Distinguised Service Award and Outstanding Achievement Award from MD Anderson; 1990 - Marie Curie Recipient from the American Association for Women Radiologists (AAWR); 1992 - Gold Medal for Distinguished and Extraordinary Service to the ASTRO (American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology); 1993- inducted into the Texas Women’s University’s Texas Women’s Hall of Fame. The AAWR has also honored her by naming an award after her – the Eleanor Montague Distinguished Resident Award in Radiation Oncology.

Dr. Montague was a pioneer in the field of breast cancer research and treatment. She has been an advocate of patient participation in treatment, as well as an early proponent for the combined use of surgery and radiation in the treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Montague is also a strong supporter of public health education. She retired from M.D. Anderson in 1986.

From the guide to the Eleanor Dino Montague Oral History Interview 1 OH-MontagueE-20000406., April 6, 2000, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Charles Aubrey (Mickey) LeMaistre studied at the University of Alabama and earned his M.D. at Cornell University, 1947. At the time, his interest encompassed Tuberculosis and infectious diseases. Dr. LeMaistre began his medical career split between teaching and in the U. S. Public Health Service, Epidemic Intelligence Service. While in the service he met his wife Joyce Trapp LeMaistre. They have four children. The basic values of family and faith have been important and influential aspect of Dr. LeMaistre’s personal life and professional administrative career.

Dr. LeMaistre’s highlighted accomplishments throughout his career include his work in creating and expanding health units at numerous universities across the state of Texas. In 1964, Dr. LeMaistre was the youngest member of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health that published a report on tobacco as the major cause of lung cancer. He is known as a world leading authority on the topic.

Dr. LeMaistre taught at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia and at the Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. Dr. LeMaistre became vice Chancellor of health affairs of the University of Texas System, based in Austin in 1966. He was Chancellor-elect from 1971-1978. One of his last accomplishments as Chancellor was acquiring a copy of the Gutenberg Bible for the Harry Ransom Center.

After twelve years in Austin, Dr. LeMaistre became the second president of M. D. Anderson in 1978. His leadership and administrative skills are well recognized for aiding in the increase in the size and scope of the institution as well as building and maintaining the reputation of M. D. Anderson as a leading institution in cancer research and treatment. Dr. LeMaistre has received many awards and recognition for his work over the years. He retired from M. D. Anderson August 1996.

From the guide to the Charles A. LeMaistre Oral History Interview 1, Lemaistre_Charles_20040506., May 6, 2004, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Daughter of a real estate firm operator, Marion Wall Lowrey was born in Gettysburg, South Dakota. In 1936, she attended the Rochester Junior College in Rochester, Minnesota to become a medical secretary. Following her graduation, she worked as a surgical secretary at the Mayo Clinic, where she first met Dr. R. Lee Clark.

During World War II, she worked at the Army Air Forces Aero Medical Center in Heidelberg, Germany as a civilian. The center's mission was to translate captured German aero medical documents. Prior to her move to Germany, Dr. Clark was appointed first Director of MD Anderson and offered her a position upon her return. While in Germany, he also sent her book titles he sought to help grow the institution's library.

She returned to the States in 1948 and accepted Dr. Clark's offer the following year. From 1949 to 1957, she served as his executive secretary from 1949 to 1957. She served as Dr. Clark's executive assistant from 1957 until her retirement in 1977.

In 1967, she married Keith Lowrey. They settled in Nacogdoches, Texas following her retirement.

From the guide to the Marion Wall Lowrey Oral History Interview 1 OH-LowreyMW-20010505., May 5, 2001, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Thomas Dunaway Anderson is the nephew of Monroe Dunaway Anderson, a philanthropist whose foundation helped fund numerous institutions in the Houston area including the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Born in Oklahoma City, March 6, 1912 to Frank Ervin Anderson and Burdine Clayton Anderson, Thomas D. Anderson moved to the Houston area in 1928 where he attended Rice University. He completed his degree at Washington and Lee University and then returned to Houston to practice law at the Andrews and Kurth law firm. He dedicated 63 years to practicing law and retired in 1993. He passed away at his home in Houston at the age of 95 in 2007.

During his lifetime, Thomas D. Anderson was a very active supporter of both civic and charitable institutions. Some of his many accomplishments include serving as chairman of the Kelsey-Seybold Foundation for 29 years. He also served as president of the Protestant Episcopal Church council of the Diocese of Texas and was a board member of the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. In 1962 he became a lifetime member of the MD Anderson Board of Visitors, and chaired the board from 1965 to 1974. Both he and his wife, Helen Sharp Anderson, were awarded the Ima Hogg Historic Achievement Award in 1997. In 1998, Anderson became the first recipient of the Leon Jaworski Award in honor of his commitment to community service.

From the guide to the Thomas Dunaway Anderson Oral History Interview 1 Anderson_Thomas_20000504., May 4, 2000, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Dr. Tao-Chiuh (T. C.) Hsu is considered internationally to be the father of modern cytogenetics. He was born and raised in China where he did his undergraduate work at the National University of Chekiang in 1941. Dr. Hsu came to the United States to pursue graduate studies in zoology at the University of Texas in Austin, 1948. This was followed by doctorate studies and post-doctoral research at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston from 1951 to 1955. In 1952, Dr. Hsu accidentally discovered the hypotonic solution to separate a chromosome, a breakthrough for cytogenetic research.

Dr. Hsu became associate professor at M. D. Anderson in 1955. He built a laboratory which fostered an international community of scientists in cytogenetic research. Dr. Hsu always welcomed collaboration and helped identify a unique method of charting individual segments of chromosomes.

Dr. Hsu’s contribution to medical research includes over 300 scientific articles. He was the editor for the Atlas of Mammalian Chromosomes and the author of a book in cytogenetics. Dr. Hsu was a member of several influential cellular research societies, including the National Institute of Health section of cellular studies and the American Society for Cell Biology. He was also a prolific guest speaker at numerous cancer and genetics conferences. Dr. Hsu was a well respected faculty member at M. D. Anderson, where he won numerous awards recognizing his work. He also held several presidential and chair positions within the institution. . Dr. Hsu passed away July 9, 2003 at the age of 86.

From the guide to the T. C. Hsu Oral History Interview 2 Hsu_TC_20010510., May 10, 2001, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1927, Dr. Emil J. Freireich earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois, College of Medicine in 1949. After serving as a research associate in Hematology at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital, Dr. Freireich spent ten years at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland where he is credited with numerous revolutionary discoveries in the field of leukemia research. In 1965, Dr. Freireich joined the faculty at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as Professor of Medicine where he has contributed to many pioneering and innovative advancements in the field of oncology. Dr. Freireich was named director of the Adult Leukemia Research Program in 1985 and director of the Special Medical Education Programs in 2000. Dr. Freireich also serves as professor in the departments of Leukemia and Laboratory Medicine.

Dr. Freireich’s research and contributions in both oncology and education have been recognized by multiple honors and awards. Past honors include Charles A. LeMaistre, M.D., Outstanding Achievement Award in Cancer (2000), University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award (2000), 9th Cino del Duca Award from the 11th International Congress on Anti-Cancer Treatment (2001), Pollin Prize for Pediatric Research from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (2003), Honorary First Fellow Award from the 40th Anniversary of the Medical Oncology Fellowship Program (2006) and Paul Ehrlich Magic Bullet Award (2008). He has served on numerous editorial boards as well as being a member of several medical societies and organizations. He has also published more than 500 scientific papers and articles on cancer therapeutics and research.

From the guide to the Emil J. Freireich, M. D. Oral History Interview Portions Freireich_Emil_2001., July 23, 2001; July 30, 2001; August 13, 2001, (Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)