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)
