The importance of mentorship for early career neuroanatomists: A historical analysis from the University of Michigan

Abstract

Gotthelf “Carl” Huber, M.D. (1865–1934) was a professor of histology and embryology, and later professor of anatomy at the University of Michigan. His scientific contributions to the understanding of the peripheral nervous system, the blood supply of the kidney and the comparative anatomy of the central nervous system may be eclipsed in importance by his dedication to mentorship, education, and employment of underrepresented neuroanatomists. Under Huber's guidance, Lydia DeWitt, MD (1859–1928) published work on neuroanatomy and on the anatomy of the heart and the pancreas. In 1902, barred from both the Research Club and the Junior Research Club, DeWitt founded the University's Women's Research Club. Jeanne Solis, MD (1867–1947)—one of the earliest identified women faculty neurologists—joined the Women's Research Club and from 1921–1927 offered a prize of $25 for the best published research in medicine or science done during the year by a woman student. The Solis prize was won in 1926 by Elizabeth Crosby, PhD (1888–1983), another of Huber's mentees, who would co‐write The Comparative Anatomy of the Nervous System of Vertebrates with Huber and become the first female full professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. By providing a space for underrepresented minorities, including Crosby's life partner Tryphena Humphrey, MD, PhD (1902–1971), and African American neuroanatomist M. Wharton Young, MD, PhD (1904–1986), to learn, publish and work, Huber set in motion a cascade of events leading to increased diversity in the world of research and medicine.