Dorothy Reed Mendenhall

Dorothy Reed Mendenhall (1874–1964) was a prominent American physician, researcher, and public health advocate. She is best known for her discovery of the Reed–Sternberg cell, a key diagnostic indicator of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Reed was born on September 22, 1874, in Columbus, Ohio. She attended Smith College, where she graduated in 1895. She then pursued her medical studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, becoming one of the first women to graduate from the institution in 1900.

Career

Following her graduation, Reed completed her residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she made her groundbreaking discovery of the Reed–Sternberg cell. This discovery was a significant advancement in the understanding and diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In 1902, Reed left Johns Hopkins to work at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. Here, she focused on child health and maternal health, advocating for improved prenatal care and infant mortality reduction.

Legacy

Reed's work in both pathology and public health has had a lasting impact on the medical field. Her discovery of the Reed–Sternberg cell remains a cornerstone of Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis, and her advocacy for improved maternal and child health has contributed to significant advancements in these areas.