Francis Carter Wood (December 30, 1869 – January 5, 1951) was an American cancer researcher, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and radium for treatment of cancer. Wood was the founder and the founding director of the Crocker Institute for Cancer Research.[1][2]

Francis Carter Wood in 1910

He was also the founder of the pathology laboratory at St. Luke's Hospital, and its director from 1910 to 1948.[1] Wood was also a professor of clinical pathology and the director of Institute of Cancer Research at Columbia University.[2]

Biography

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Wood (left) and other members of the first National Advisory Cancer Council at the groundbreaking ceremonies of the National Cancer Institute's building 6 in June 1938

Wood was born on December 30, 1869, in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from the Ohio State University in 1891.[1] He graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in 1894,[1] and joined the faculty of clinical pathology at Columbia University in 1896[1] From 1906 to 1912 he served as director of clinical pathology at Columbia University[1] and also served as the director of the pathology laboratory at St. Luke's Hospital from 1910 to 1948, founding it in 1910.[1]

Accolades

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The American Association for Cancer Research called Wood an "international authority on cancer and pioneer radiotherapist".[1] The New York Times called him "internationally known cancer research specialist who was a pioneer in the use of X-rays and radium" and said that Wood "is credited with many basic discoveries in principles of radiation".[2]

Publications

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  • Chemical and Microscopical Diagnosis (1909)
  • Cancer: Nature, Diagnosis, and Cure (1937)

References

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