Emil Grubbe

Emil Herman Grubbe (1875–1960) was an American radiologist and pioneer in the field of radiation therapy. He is often credited as the first person to use x-rays for treatment in humans, specifically for breast cancer.

Early life and education

Emil Grubbe was born on February 6, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the Chicago College of Pharmacy and later the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago, where he developed an interest in radiology.

Career

Grubbe's career in radiology began in 1896, shortly after Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered x-rays. Grubbe built his own x-ray machine and began experimenting with its use in medical treatment. He is believed to have treated his first patient, a woman with breast cancer, in January 1896.

Grubbe's work in radiology continued throughout his career. He was a founding member of the American Roentgen Ray Society and served as its president in 1905. He also worked as a radiologist at several hospitals in Chicago, including the Hahnemann Hospital and the Cook County Hospital.

Legacy

Grubbe's pioneering work in the field of radiation therapy has had a lasting impact on the medical field. His early experiments with x-rays paved the way for the development of modern radiation therapy techniques. Despite the risks associated with radiation exposure, Grubbe's work has saved countless lives by providing a non-invasive treatment option for various forms of cancer.

See also

• History of radiation therapy
• Radiology
• X-ray