The A. James French Society of Pathologists (now U-M Pathology Alumni Society) was established in 1987 to honor Dr. French's lifelong commitment to teaching and guidance of residents and his leadership in the field of Pathology. Membership is available to pathologists and trainees who have a professional connection to Dr. French and/or to the Department of Pathology at the University of Michigan.
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Dr. French received his M.D. degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1936. After completing a rotating internship at General Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. French served as Assistant Resident in Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, and completed a residency in Pathology at St. Louis City Hospital. He joined the faculty of the University of Michigan Medical School in June 1940 as Assistant Resident. Dr. French served as First Lieutenant in the United States Army, first in the reserves and with the advent of World War II, on active duty (1941-1946) rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served as a Colonel in the United States Army Reserves from 1962-1973. In 1956, Dr. French was appointed to the Chairmanship of the Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School succeeding Carl Vernon Weller, M.D. Dr. French was instrumental in the development of Clinical Pathology as a disciplinary part of the Department of Pathology and over the years, under his direction, the Department of Pathology became responsible for the Hospital Laboratories.
During his Chairmanship, the Department of Pathology flourished and became one of the premier Departments of Pathology in its teaching and service characteristics. Throughout his career, Dr. French received numerous awards and honors including Pathologist of the Year (1973) from the College of American Pathologists and the Distinguished Service to Pathology Award in 1977 given jointly by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the College of American Pathologists.
Dr. French was an active member of the American Board of Pathology serving as Trustee from 1962-1974; as Secretary-Director from 1964-1972; as President in 1973 and as its first Executive Director from 1974-1979; The Michigan Society of Pathologists, serving as President from 1950-1951; The International Academy of Pathology where he held the offices of Vice-President (1964-1965); President-Elect (1965-1966) and President (1966-1967), as well as numerous other professional societies. Dr. French became an active Emeritus Professor in June 1980.
In 1992, the Society in conjunction with the University of Michigan initiated a successful campaign and endowed a Chair in his honor - The A. James French Endowed Professorship in Diagnostic Pathology.
![]() Breast team reviewing a patient's slide. (From left to right) Ghassan Allo, Fellow; Laura Walters, Clinical Lecturer; Celina Kleer, Professor. See Article 2014Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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![]() Autopsy Technician draws blood while working in the Wayne County morgue. See Article 2016Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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![]() Dr. Sriram Venneti, MD, PhD and Postdoctoral Fellow, Chan Chung, PhD investigate pediatric brain cancer. See Article 2017Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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![]() Director of the Neuropathology Fellowship, Dr. Sandra Camelo-Piragua serves on the Patient and Family Advisory Council. 2018Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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![]() Residents Ashley Bradt (left) and William Perry work at a multi-headed scope in our new facility. 2019Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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![]() Dr. Kristine Konopka (right) instructing residents while using a multi-headed microscope. 2020Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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![]() Patient specimens poised for COVID-19 PCR testing. 2021Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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![]() Dr. Pantanowitz demonstrates using machine learning in analyzing slides. 2022Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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![]() (Left to Right) Drs. Angela Wu, Laura Lamps, and Maria Westerhoff. 2023Department Chair |
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newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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MLabs, established in 1985, functions as a portal to provide pathologists, hospitals. and other reference laboratories access to the faculty, staff and laboratories of the University of Michigan Health System’s Department of Pathology. MLabs is a recognized leader for advanced molecular diagnostic testing, helpful consultants and exceptional customer service.