Robert Gesell, who had been chairman of the department since 1923, died in April 1954. Dr. John Bean was acting chairman from 1954 to 1956. Dr. Horace Davenport became chairman in 1956. The department moved from East Medical to Medical Science II building in 1969.
In the period 1956 to 1966 the department increased in size approximately four-fold. Expansion was partly financed by increased federal funds for research and research training. Although the department was supported by University General funds only during the academic year, it was in fact operating for the whole calendar year.
Teaching programs were substantially expanded. The medical and dental classes increased in size. In addition, teaching was provided for many other degree programs, including nursing, surgical nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, and others. The department was largely responsible for the success of the bioengineering program, and a considerable number of bioengineering Ph.D.'s have been earned in physiology.
Fred J. Hodges
The University of Michigan, an Encyclopedic Survey Supplement, Page 203
