R. Ellen Magenis, M.D., begins by talking about her childhood and upbringing in Gary, Indiana followed by her education, earning a B.A. in zoology from Indiana University (1946) and an M.D. from Indiana University Medical School (1952). Magenis goes on to discuss her research in the field of genetics, including the identification of Smith-Magenis syndrome in the 1980s. She describes how her hands on experience with patients as a clinical geneticist as well as her directorship of the OHSU Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory influenced her work. Magenis also talks about her experiences as a woman in medicine, structural and organizational changes at OHSU, and advances in treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome.
Disclaimer
Oral histories are considered historical materials. They are the personal recollections and opinions of the individuals involved and, therefore, may contain offensive language, ideas or negative stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a person, period or place. Oral histories should not serve as the sole source of information about an institution or particular historical events. These narratives should in no way be interpreted as the official history of Oregon Health & Science University, nor do they necessarily represent the views of the institution.