Abstract Details

Title Robert Wartenberg and the ��ɫ��

Topic Research Methodology, ��ɫ��, and History

Presentation(s) S44 - History of Neurology (1:22 PM-1:33 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 003

Objective To describe the influence that Robert Wartenberg had on the formation of the ��ɫ�� (AAN).

Background N/A

Design/Methods Review of personal correspondence of Robert Wartenberg and materials concerning the Wartenberg Lecture kept in the AAN’s historical archives, biographical materials written by colleagues and peers, and early accounts of the AAN written by founding members and other early leadership figures.

Results Robert Wartenberg was a master clinical neurologist who left Nazi Germany for America in 1935. The AAN was founded in 1948 as an inclusive professional group for all neurologists. The “Four Horsemen” – A.B. Baker, Russell DeJong, Francis Forster, and Adolph Sahs – were the leading figures behind its formation, and received instrumental help from other neurologists along the way. When A.B. Baker wrote to Wartenberg in October 1947 asking if he would support the formation of the AAN, Wartenberg replied enthusiastically – and with a page of ideas for the fledgling organization including input about membership structure, association with local and regional societies, and even a critique of the name of the organization itself. He was particularly involved in the journal Neurology® as it was forming. Baker described that Wartenberg “was adamant…that the ��ɫ�� could develop and grow only if it had an official scientific publication,” and eventually, “under the constant urging of Doctor Wartenberg,” the journal was born. He was on the journal’s first editorial board, known as a scientific writing critic through much of his career. He died unexpectedly on November 16, 1956 following a brief illness. In memoriam, the Robert Wartenberg Lecture was created in December 1956, and has since evolved into one of the hallmark events at the Academy’s annual meeting.

Conclusions Robert Wartenberg was a respected neurologist who provided valuable influence in the early days of the AAN.

Authors/Disclosures
David B. Burkholder, MD, FAAN (Mayo Clinic) PRESENTER	The institution of Dr. Burkholder has received research support from Longboard pharmaceuticals.
Christopher J. Boes, MD, FAAN (Mayo Clinic)	Dr. Boes has nothing to disclose.

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