Elizabeth M. Ramsey
Elizabeth M. Ramsey, M.D. (17 February 1906[1] - 2 July 1993[2]) was an American physician, placentologist, and embryologist known for pioneering the study of early human embryos and the structure and circulatory system of the placenta.[1] She was a researcher at the Carnegie Institution of Washington for nearly forty years.[2] While performing an autopsy in 1934, she discovered a 14-day old human embryo, the earliest yet studied at the time. Later in her career, Dr. Ramsey worked on a team that used cineradiology to reveal the workings of the placental circulatory system in primates.[1]
Dr. Ramsey published over 125 articles and two books.[2]
Early life and education
Dr. Ramsey was born in New York City in 1906 and grew up in California. She attended Mills College, an all-women's university in Oakland, California. Following graduation, she studied for a year at the University of Hamburg, then returned to the United States to attend the Yale School of Medicine. She graduated with her M.D. in 1932, one of only two women in her class.[3]
The "Yale Embryo"
After graduating from Yale, Dr. Ramsey began a residency there in pathology. During her first human autopsy, she discovered the previously unknown presence of a very early embryo. Later determined to be approximately 14 days old, it was one of the earliest collected embryos for study at the time. Indeed, one of Dr. Ramsey's colleagues doubted that it even was an embryo, instead believing the find was some kind of insect.[3]
The Carnegie Institution in Washington had established a collection of embryos for the study of embryonic development and morphology. Dr. Ramsey brought this new embryo to the Carnegie collection, and soon joined the research staff there.
Placentology
Dr. Ramsey's career included several landmark studies of the placenta and its circulatory system.[1][3] These studies involved a number of advances to use cineradiography to observe how blood moved through the placenta. In addition to advances in imaging technology, Dr. Ramsey's teams pioneered exacting injection techniques and established the use of primate models to study human placental function. This body of work showed that maternal blood entered and left the placenta through the same structure.[3]
Awards and appointments
Elizabeth Ramsey received the following awards and appointments:[1]
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Distinguished Service Award
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Hall of Fame
- Society for Gynecological Investigation, Distinguished Scientist Award
- American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society, Honorary Fellow
- Yale Medical School, Dean’s Council
- National Symphony Orchestra, Board of Trustees
- National Cathedral Choral Society, Board Member
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Smith, Kaitlin (6 April 2015). "Elizabeth Maplesden Ramsey (1906-1993)". The Embryo Project Encyclopedia. Arizona State University. School of Life Sciences. Center for Biology and Society. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
- 1 2 3 Lambert, Bruce (4 July 1993). "Elizabeth M. Ramsey, 87, Expert On Human Embryo and Placenta". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 Wynn, Ralph (1994). "In memorium: Elizabeth M. Ramsey (1906-1993)". In Miller, Richard Kermit; Thiede, Henry A. HIV, Perinatal Infections, and Therapy: The Role of the Placenta. Boydell & Brewer. pp. x. Retrieved 27 November 2016 – via Google Books.