Robert Meyer (pathologist)

German pathologist

Robert Meyer (1864–1947) was a prominent German pathologist known for his pioneering work in the field of gynecological pathology. His contributions significantly advanced the understanding of female reproductive system diseases and conditions.

Early Life and Education

Robert Meyer was born on January 19, 1864, in Hanover, Kingdom of Hanover. He pursued his medical education at the University of Göttingen, where he developed a keen interest in pathology. Meyer completed his medical degree in 1888 and subsequently trained under several notable pathologists, which laid the foundation for his future contributions to the field.

Career

Meyer began his career at the Charité Hospital in Berlin, where he worked under the mentorship of Rudolf Virchow, a leading figure in pathology. During his tenure at Charité, Meyer focused on the pathology of the female reproductive system, an area that was relatively underexplored at the time.

Robert Meyer, German pathologist

In 1903, Meyer was appointed as the head of the Department of Pathology at the University of Berlin. His research during this period was groundbreaking, particularly his studies on endometrial hyperplasia and ovarian tumors. Meyer's work provided critical insights into the morphological changes associated with various gynecological diseases.

Contributions to Gynecological Pathology

Meyer is best known for his detailed descriptions of endometrial carcinoma and his classification of ovarian cysts. He was among the first to describe the "Meyer-Wolffian body," a structure related to the development of certain ovarian tumors. His work laid the groundwork for modern diagnostic criteria in gynecological pathology.

Meyer also contributed to the understanding of ectopic pregnancy and its pathological manifestations. His meticulous documentation and analysis of pathological specimens helped establish standardized diagnostic procedures that are still in use today.

Later Life and Legacy

Despite the challenges posed by the Nazi regime in Germany, Meyer continued his research and teaching until his retirement in 1933. He emigrated to the United States in 1939, where he continued to influence the field of pathology through his writings and lectures.

Meyer passed away on December 12, 1947, in New York City. His legacy endures through his numerous publications and the many pathologists he mentored throughout his career.

Related Pages

• Pathology
• Gynecology
• Rudolf Virchow
• Endometrial cancer
• Ovarian cancer