1930

Frederic Mohs develops a surgical technique to remove external tumors, such as mouth, lip and skin cancers, while sparing normal tissue.

1935

The cancer institute is formed. Later to become the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research led by Harold Rusch, it represents a new form of problem-oriented, multidisciplinary and institutionalized research.

William S. Middleton, who has been in charge of clinical work at the Student Health Service, Bradley Memorial and Wisconsin General Hospital, is appointed dean. A foremost teacher and clinician, he cultivates a local clinical capability needed to justify a full MD program and nurtures the school’s groundbreaking anesthesiology work and fledgling cancer research program. 

1939

The McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research established as nation's first basic science cancer center in an academic institution.

1940

Cancer researcher Harold P. Rusch identifies the wavelength of ultraviolet light that produces skin cancer. 

UW physician Fredric Mohs pioneers microsurgery technique to treat skin cancer.

1943

Medical School faculty, staff, alumni and students serve with distinction in World War II.

1949

Cancer researcher Roswell Boutwell identifies the role of caloric intake in cancer prevention.

1950s

Teaching affiliations with Madison General and St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison are operational and the Veterans Hospital is now closely associated with the school. The Department of Medical Genetics, chaired by James Crow, is formed. It is the first such department in a U.S. medical school.

1951

Cancer researcher Van Potter becomes the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of combining drugs to treat cancer.

1956

Researcher Harry Waisman begins tracing connection between mental retardation and the metabolic disorder PKU, leading to routine newborn screening. Neurosurgeon Manucher Javid develops a solution to reduce brain swelling during surgery.

1957

Charles Heidelberger synthesizes the anti cancer drug fluorouracil, 5-FU, used extensively to treat a variety of cancers.

1958

Joshua Lederberg awarded Nobel prize for work on bacteria reproduction and antibiotic resistance.