Maxwell Wintrobe

Maxwell Myer Wintrobe (October 27, 1901 – December 9, 1986) was a prominent hematologist and a pioneer in the field of clinical hematology. He is best known for his contributions to the understanding of anemia and the development of the Wintrobe indices, which are used to classify different types of anemia.

Early Life and Education

Maxwell Wintrobe was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He completed his undergraduate studies at Dalhousie University and later attended McGill University, where he earned his medical degree in 1926.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Wintrobe moved to the United States to further his training. He worked at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where he conducted significant research in hematology. In 1934, he published the first edition of his textbook, Clinical Hematology, which became a seminal work in the field.

Wintrobe's career continued to flourish as he took on a position at the University of Utah in 1943. There, he established one of the first hematology research laboratories in the United States. His work at the University of Utah led to numerous advancements in the understanding and treatment of blood disorders.

Contributions to Hematology

Maxwell Wintrobe is perhaps best known for developing the Wintrobe indices, which include the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). These indices are crucial for the classification and diagnosis of different types of anemia.

In addition to his work on anemia, Wintrobe made significant contributions to the study of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders. His research has had a lasting impact on the field of hematology and has improved the diagnosis and treatment of many hematologic conditions.

Legacy

Maxwell Wintrobe's contributions to medicine have been widely recognized. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Hematology. His textbook, Clinical Hematology, continues to be a valuable resource for medical professionals and students.

Wintrobe passed away on December 9, 1986, but his legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work in hematology.

See Also

• Hematology
• Anemia
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• University of Utah
• Johns Hopkins Hospital