In April, Dr. Ronald Crystal, Chief of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, is the first to use a genetically altered cold virus to treat cystic fibrosis, at his research laboratory at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. He continues his pioneer research at this medical center.

Two years later, in 1995, Dr. Crystal performs a similar gene therapy to treat colorectal cancer that has metastasized the liver. (Photo by Medical Art and Photography.)

AIDS biomedical research begins in 1983. The Center for Special Studies and AIDS Clinical Trials, directed by Dr. Jonathan Jacobs, is established in 1986. In 1991, a new facility on the 24th Floor of the Baker Tower is opened.

In addition, Dr. Alton Meister, Chair of the Department of Biochemistry, conducts pioneer research during this time.

New York Hospital is the first in the New York metropolitan area to install an MRI machine.

The first full service burn center in the New York metropolitan area opens in December. A 1977 expansion of the facility, which includes the FDNY Skin Bank, makes it the largest burn center in the country.

Later, in 1998, the burn center is renamed William Randolph Hearst Burn Center.

Dr. Fritz Fuchs, Obstetrician and Gynecologist-in-Chief at New York Hospital, is credited with introducing the laparoscope into the U.S. gynecological practice.

Two years later, in 1967, Dr. Fuchs develops the use of alcohol as an intravenous agent for preventing premature labor.

The first kidney transplant in the metropolitan area is performed by a renal group led by Dr. Albert Rubin. (Photo: a kidney transplant operation in 1968.)

Dr. Vincent du Vigneaud, Chair of the Department of Biochemistry, receives the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on the pituitary gland hormone oxytocin, which is crucial for childbirth and producing milk. 

Dr. Vigneaud is also known for accomplishing the first synthesization of penicillin in 1946. (Photo by Text & Bilder.)

Drs. Frank Glenn and Joseph Artusio develop ether analgesia, which allows a patient to be conscious without feeling any pain or memory of the surgery.

Later, from 1958 to 1961, Drs. Joseph Artusio and Alan Van Poznak develop the non-flammable ether inhalation anesthetic methoxyflurane.

The Medical Comprehensive Care and Teaching Program is established. It remains part of Cornell University Medical College curriculum until 1967. (Photo taken in 1952 by Murray Tarr Inc.)

In October, New York Hospital and the New York State Department of Health establish the Institute for Physicians and Nurses in the Care of Premature Infants, one of the first postgraduate programs with focus on premature infants. The course becomes an annual event at the medical center for several years. (Photo taken in 1962 by Esther Bubley.)