Rufus Cole

Rufus Cole (April 30, 1872 – April 20, 1966) was an American physician and medical researcher. He is best known for his pioneering work in the field of pneumonia and for being the first director of the Rockefeller University Hospital.

Early Life and Education

Rufus Cole was born in Cold Spring, New York. He attended Yale University, where he received his undergraduate degree in 1892. He then went on to study medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, earning his M.D. in 1896. Cole furthered his medical education at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he worked under the guidance of prominent physicians such as William Osler.

Career

In 1908, Rufus Cole was appointed as the first director of the Rockefeller University Hospital, a position he held until his retirement in 1937. Under his leadership, the hospital became a leading center for medical research and treatment. Cole's work focused primarily on the study and treatment of pneumonia, a major cause of death at the time.

Contributions to Medicine

Rufus Cole made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of pneumonia. He was instrumental in developing the serum therapy for pneumococcal pneumonia, which significantly reduced the mortality rate of the disease. His research laid the groundwork for the development of antibiotics and other treatments for bacterial infections.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Rufus Cole received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medical science. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and received honorary degrees from several institutions, including Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Personal Life

Rufus Cole was married to Mary Elizabeth Garrett, a prominent philanthropist and advocate for women's education. The couple had no children. Cole passed away on April 20, 1966, in Washington, D.C..

Legacy

Rufus Cole's work has had a lasting impact on the field of medicine, particularly in the treatment of pneumonia and other bacterial infections. His leadership at the Rockefeller University Hospital helped establish the institution as a premier center for medical research.

See Also

• Rockefeller University Hospital
• Pneumonia
• William Osler
• National Academy of Sciences