Charles F. Branch, MD, FACS

ACS Department of Clinical Research, 1947–1950

By Jessica Dangles, MS

Charles F. Branch, MD, FACS, was a leader in the field of pathology, being actively involved in medical education and cancer research. Spending his entire career in the New England area, he was also an innovator in blood banks, a husband, and a father.

Dr. Branch led the College’s Department of Clinical Research, which at the time included cancer-related activities, from June 1947-August 1950. While serving as secretary of the committee he reported out on statistical data regarding cancer clinics, cancer diagnostic clinics, and cancer detection centers. He later served in an Assistant Director role, focusing on the work of the cancer committee of the college, including the survey and approval of cancer clinics. His work with the college also included drafting minimum standards for cancer detection centers and cancer clinics. During his time with the college, he represented the committee at the American Cancer Society’s New Hampshire Conference on Cancer Detection.

Dr. Branch was born in Amherst, MA, on August 14, 1897. He received his medical doctor degree from the University of Vermont and his training in pathology at the Mallory Institute of the Boston City Hospital and at the Jefferson and Philadelphia General Hospitals in Philadelphia. He served as a professor of pathology at Boston University School of Medicine and worked as a pathologist at the Massachusetts Memorial Hospitals. Additionally, he was the associate director of the Evans Memorial of the Massachusetts Memorial Hospitals.

Dr. Branch served as the dean of Boston University School of Medicine and later director of the Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Medical Center in Boston. His career as a pathologist focused heavily on the field of cancer investigation. He founded the New England Pathological Society and was a Diplomate of the American Board of Pathology. Dr. Branch was involved in the organization of the laboratory sequence of the first blood bank in Boston and had extensive experience in organizing laboratory programs in the New England area.

His military experience includes the regional Dean’s Committee as a consultant to the Surgeons General of the Army and Navy during the war.  He was also a member of the local Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Branch’s contribution to the field of pathology and to the College demonstrated his commitment to cancer research and giving back to his profession.

Written by Jessica Dangles, MS

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