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The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Oral History Project is a repository for the stories, accounts, and memories of those who have chosen to share their experiences. The viewpoints expressed in the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Oral History Project do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center or any of its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interviews and expressly disclaim any liability therefore.
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| Collection: | Making Cancer History Voices Oral History Collection |
| Interviewee: | Hsu, T. C. (Tao-Chiuh), 1917- |
| Interviewer: | Brunet, Lesley Williams |
| Title: | T.C. Hsu Oral History Interview 1 |
| Dates: | April 11, 2001 |
| Abstract: | The interview with Dr. Tao-Chiuh Hsu begins with the doctor recounting his early career in the United States as a graduate student at the University of Texas in Austin and the University of Texas, Medical Branch in Galveston. He shares his story about how he stumbled upon the hypotonic solution to separate chromosomes for deeper analysis of genes. Dr. Hsu explains his reasons for leaving the Medical Branch and joining M. D. Anderson for better laboratory and teaching opportunities. He shares an anecdote about the original main building of the institution. The interview explores Dr. Hsu’s promotions and positions held within the institution and touches on his relationships and collaborative work with Drs. R. Lee Clark, Charles M. Pomerat, Felix Haas, and Daniel Billen. Dr. Hsu shares his cultural experiences in terms of language barriers, naturalization and family immigration process. The interview concludes with Dr. Hsu answering questions about colleagues who worked with him in his lab over the years. |
| Collection Id.: | Hsu_TC_20010411 |
| Original Format: | Audiocassette |
| Format: | 1 streaming video file and 1 interview transcript |
| Interview Length: | 1 hour, 31 minutes, 40 seconds |
| Language: | Materials are in English |
| Repository: | Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Biographical Note
Dr. Tao-Chiuh (T. C.) Hsu is considered internationally to be the father of modern cytogenetics. He was born and raised in China where he did his undergraduate work at the National University of Chekiang in 1941. Dr. Hsu came to the United States to pursue graduate studies in zoology at the University of Texas in Austin, 1948. This was followed by doctorate studies and post-doctoral research at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston from 1951 to 1955. In 1952, Dr. Hsu accidentally discovered the hypotonic solution to separate a chromosome, a breakthrough for cytogenetic research. Dr. Hsu became associate professor at M. D. Anderson in 1955. He built a laboratory which fostered an international community of scientists in cytogenetic research. Dr. Hsu always welcomed collaboration and helped identify a unique method of charting individual segments of chromosomes. Dr. Hsu’s contribution to medical research includes over 300 scientific articles. He was the editor for the Atlas of Mammalian Chromosomes and the author of a book in cytogenetics. Dr. Hsu was a member of several influential cellular research societies, including the National Institute of Health section of cellular studies and the American Society for Cell Biology. He was also a prolific guest speaker at numerous cancer and genetics conferences. Dr. Hsu was a well respected faculty member at M. D. Anderson, where he won numerous awards recognizing his work. He also held several presidential and chair positions within the institution. . Dr. Hsu passed away July 9, 2003 at the age of 86. |
Restrictions
| Restrictions on Access: | This interview contains no restrictions |
| Restrictions on Use: | All requests for copying of materials must be submitted to the Historical Resources Center in writing for approval. All reproductions will be handled by HRC staff. Authorization to publish, quote, or reproduce must be obtained in writing by the Historical Resources Center. |
Index Terms
| Subjects (Persons): | Hsu, T. C. (Tao-Chiuh), 1917- |
| Subjects (Organizations): | University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center -- history |
| Subjects: | Cell Biology |
Administrative Information
| Provenance: | Interview with Dr. T.C. Hsu conducted by Lesley Williams Brunet |
| Preferred Citation: | T.C. Hsu Oral History Interview 1, April 11, 2001, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. |
| Processing Information: | Oral history was edited by Mikha Mitchell, HRC Intern, Winter 2010. |
