Abstract

Introduction

Twenty years before Charles Huggins became one of two urologists to win a Nobel Prize, he earned a different prestigious title: Hugh Hampton Young’s successor at the Brady Urological Institute. This article seeks to better understand Huggins’ relationship with the ‘Brady’ and why he accepted the position, only to repudiate the offer months later.

Sources and Methods

Archival research was conducted at the Alan Mason Chesney Medical Archives at Johns Hopkins and at the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center at The University of Chicago. Secondary sources were accessed as cited.

Results

Letters between Charles Huggins and Alfred Blalock, the Director of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH), reveal that Huggins’ relationship with the Brady began earlier than previously reported. When Hugh Hampton Young retired in 1941, Blalock wanted Huggins to become the Chair, but socio-political factors interfered with his appointment. When Huggins was finally offered the position in 1945, he accepted the post but he resigned shortly thereafter.

Conclusions

The presented research provides insight into a turbulent period of transition at Hopkins. However, several archival gaps remain. Nevertheless, findings reveal that Huggins’ decision kept the Brady on the original trajectory set by Hugh Hampton Young. Huggins’ decision to relinquish the offered Chair position was motivated by something quite personal, his professional goals, and his sense of self.

Key Words

Charles Huggins; Hugh Hampton Young; History of Medicine; Archives

Funding

Supported by NIH Grant 1-T32-TR004928

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest