Dr. Maxwell M. Wintrobe (1901–1986) stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of hematology. His life’s work helped shape the field into a defined medical specialty, and his legacy endures through innovations that remain fundamental to clinical practice today.
Born in 1901 in what was then Austria-Hungary, Wintrobe emigrated to Canada with his family in 1906. He displayed academic excellence early on, earning his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Manitoba, and graduating at the top of his class. He continued his training in the United States, completing a PhD at Tulane University in 1929. His early research focused on the physical properties of red blood cells, laying the foundation for a career that would revolutionize hematology.
One of Wintrobe’s most lasting contributions came early: the development of the Wintrobe hematocrit tube, a standardized tool for measuring red blood cell volume. But his impact went far beyond instrumentation. He was the first to introduce the red blood cell indices, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), which remain in universal use for the diagnosis and classification of anemias.
In 1942, Wintrobe published Clinical Hematology, the first comprehensive textbook devoted to diseases of the blood. The textbook quickly became, and continues to be, a foundational resource in the field, routinely updated and referenced by generations of students and practitioners. Through his writing and mentorship, Wintrobe shaped not only the science of hematology but also the way it was taught and practiced.
Wintrobe’s influence extended into academic leadership when, in 1943, he became the first Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah. Under his stewardship, the university evolved into a full four-year medical school and became a hub for hematology research and training. He established one of the earliest hematology fellowship programs in the U.S., with more than 80% of its graduates pursuing academic and research careers. Notably, he secured the first extramural research grant awarded by the National Institutes of Health to a U.S. medical school in 1946—a grant that was renewed annually for 23 years and totaled nearly $10 million.
Wintrobe’s scientific contributions were not limited to red cell disorders. His research addressed a broad spectrum of hematologic diseases, including thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and Wilson’s disease. He also played a key role in defining the discipline’s scope and standards through leadership positions, including serving as President of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) from 1971 to 1972.
His achievements were widely recognized. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1973 and received numerous honors, including the Kober Medal from the Association of American Physicians. At the University of Utah, his contributions are commemorated through the Maxwell M. Wintrobe Research and Education Building, a testament to his enduring impact on science and education.
Dr. Maxwell Wintrobe’s legacy is vast. His clinical insights, scientific rigor, and devotion to education not only advanced the understanding of blood diseases but also cemented hematology as an essential branch of medicine. More than a century after his birth, his name remains synonymous with the thoughtful integration of laboratory science, clinical medicine, and education—a model that continues to inspire the field today.