Russell N. DeJong, a seminal figure in American neurology

Type of article: ORIGINAL

AUTHORS

W. W. Campbell
Professor Emeritus, Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Dr Russell N. DeJong was a seminal figure in American Neurology and his career and contributions are worthy of notation.

Methods. Review of various historical documents.

Results. The reviewed documents describe the many contributions made by Dr DeJong.

Discussion. DeJong was one of the “Four Horsemen”, individuals who were pivotal in the development of American neurology and the establishment of the AAN. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Medicine, trained in neurology there, joined the faculty, and served as professor and department chair from 1950 until 1977. In the process, he trained more than 100 neurologists, at least 35 of whom went on to academic careers and leadership positions.

DeJong authored more than 200 books and articles, including the neurologic examination and A history of American neurology. He was the first editor-in-chief of Neurology. He was a leading figure in neurology in the United States, serving at various times as president of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association, and the American Epilepsy Society. He held honorary memberships in the neurological societies of several countries and was an influential leader in the World Federation of Neurology and several Pan American Congresses of Neurology.
 

KEYWORDS

Neurology, history, writer, Russell N. DeJong, American Academy of Neurology

Neurosciences and History 2015;3(2):81-84