The Robert J. Terry Lecture

The Robert J. Terry Lecture was established in 1938 by alumni and friends of the medical school to honor Dr. Terry and to foster greater appreciation of the study of human anatomy in relation to the teaching and practice of medicine. Dr. Terry became head of the Department of Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine in 1900. When the school was reorganized in 1910 after the recommendations made by the Flexner Report, Dr. Terry was the only department chairman to be reappointed. At the time of his retirement in 1941, he received the title of professor emeritus, and in 1956 he was awarded an honorary LL.D. degree.

Dr. Terry was well known among scientists in his field for the reforms he introduced in the teaching of human anatomy. He received his medical degree in 1895 from the Missouri Medical College, forerunner of Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Terry continued active work in the Department of Anatomy until 1959, when he moved to Weston, Mass., to be near his daughter. He died in 1966 at the age of 95.

Past Terry Speakers