Thelma Brumfield Dunn

American pathologist and cancer researcher

Thelma B. Dunn, American pathologist

Thelma Brumfield Dunn (October 12, 1900 – May 28, 1992) was an American pathologist renowned for her pioneering research in the field of cancer pathology. Her work significantly advanced the understanding of tumor development and histopathology.

Early life and education

Thelma Brumfield was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 12, 1900. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Tulane University, where she developed a keen interest in the biological sciences. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1921. Following her undergraduate education, she continued at Tulane University School of Medicine, earning her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1924.

Career

After completing her medical degree, Dunn began her career as a pathologist at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), where she worked for over three decades. Her research primarily focused on the histological classification of tumors, particularly in the liver and lung. Dunn's work was instrumental in the development of the Dunn classification system for liver tumors, which provided a framework for understanding the progression of liver cancer.

Throughout her career, Dunn published numerous papers on the pathology of cancer, contributing significantly to the scientific community's understanding of tumor biology. Her research helped lay the groundwork for future studies in cancer treatment and prevention.

Contributions to pathology

Dunn's contributions to pathology were not limited to her research. She was also a dedicated educator, mentoring many young scientists and pathologists. Her work in developing classification systems for tumors has been widely recognized and continues to influence the field of pathology today.

Later life and legacy

Nancy Grace Roman with President Kennedy, a contemporary of Dunn

In her later years, Dunn remained active in the scientific community, attending conferences and contributing to discussions on cancer research. She retired from the National Cancer Institute in 1965 but continued to be involved in research and education until her death on May 28, 1992.

Dunn's legacy is preserved through her numerous publications and the impact of her work on the field of cancer pathology. Her contributions have been recognized by various scientific organizations, and she is remembered as a pioneer in the study of cancer.

Related pages

• Pathology
• Cancer research
• National Cancer Institute
• Histopathology

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