The Russell DeJong papers documents the activities of an individual who, through his teaching, research, and commitment to his profession, achieved national and international prominence in the field of neurology. The collection has been arranged into six series: Correspondence, Professional Organizations, University of Michigan, Published Papers, Miscellaneous, and Photographs.
Russell Nelson DeJong, professor and chairman of the department of neurology of the University of Michigan Medical School and the University Hospital, was born on March 12, 1907, in Orange City, Iowa. He attended Grand Rapids Junior College for two years, then entered the University of Michigan where he received his B.A. in 1929, a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1932, and a Master of Science degree in Neurology in 1936.
In 1932, DeJong joined the staff of the University Hospital as a intern in neurology. He became assistant resident in 1933, instructor in 1934, assistant professor in 1937, associate professor in 1941, and professor and chairman of the neurology department in 1950. As chairman, DeJong enjoyed success both as a recruiter of clinicians and teachers for his department and as an accomplished grantsman acquiring funds to further his and the research interests of his colleagues.
DeJong understood the importance of improving the training given in neurology and the quality of research conducted in the fields of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. He was the author of The Neurologic Examination and A History of American Neurology, as well as numerous contributions to professional journals. DeJong further demonstrated his belief that the members of his profession should share their research when he accepted the position of editor-in-chief of Neurology. He held this position from 1951 to 1976. In addition, DeJong was neurology editor of the Yearbook of Neurology and Neurology and on the editorial boards of Handbook of Clinical Neurology and of Excerpta Medica. As editor of Neurology, DeJong was noted for his skill both in selecting material and in assisting authors to improve their submissions.
DeJong's accomplishments go beyond his work as a clinician, teacher, and administrator. He was also a researcher of note whose interests were varied. This included research and participation in organizations concerned with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, migraine, Huntington's Choreaepilepsy, Guillain-Barrè syndrome. Among the organizations that DeJong actively participation in were the American Epilepsy Association, the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the World Federation of Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
DeJong died August 20, 1990.
