Henry Kaplan

Henry Seymour Kaplan

Henry Kaplan, pioneering radiologist

Born	April 24, 1918
Birth place	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died	February 4, 1984
Place of death	Stanford, California, United States
Nationality	American
Known for	Development of the linear accelerator for cancer treatment

Henry Seymour Kaplan (April 24, 1918 – February 4, 1984) was an American radiologist and a pioneer in the field of radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. He is best known for his work in developing the linear accelerator for medical use, which revolutionized the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers.

Early Life and Education

Henry Kaplan was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of Russian-Jewish immigrants. He attended Rush Medical College, where he earned his medical degree in 1940. Kaplan's early interest in the application of physics to medicine led him to pursue a career in radiology.

Career

Kaplan began his career at the University of California, San Francisco, where he worked on the development of new techniques in radiation therapy. In 1948, he joined the faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he would spend the majority of his career.

At Stanford, Kaplan collaborated with physicist Edward Ginzton to develop the first medical linear accelerator in the Western Hemisphere. This device allowed for more precise targeting of tumors with high-energy X-rays, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The linear accelerator became a cornerstone in the treatment of various cancers, particularly Hodgkin's lymphoma, which was previously considered incurable.

Contributions to Medicine

Kaplan's work with the linear accelerator significantly improved the prognosis for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. His research demonstrated that radiation therapy could be used not only to palliate symptoms but also to cure certain types of cancer. Kaplan's innovations laid the groundwork for modern radiation oncology.

In addition to his technical contributions, Kaplan was a dedicated educator and mentor. He trained numerous students and residents in the principles of radiation therapy and oncology, many of whom went on to become leaders in the field.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Kaplan received numerous awards and honors, including the Gold Medal of the Radiological Society of North America and the American Cancer Society's Medal of Honor. He was also elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his contributions to medical science.

Legacy

Henry Kaplan's legacy lives on through the continued use of linear accelerators in cancer treatment worldwide. His pioneering work has saved countless lives and continues to influence the field of oncology.

Also see

• Radiation therapy
• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Linear accelerator
• Stanford University School of Medicine
• Radiology