A debt owed to a wonderful mentor, Seymour Reichlin

Abstract

Joseph B. Martin, MD, PhD, Edward R. and Anne G. Lefler Professor of Neurobiology, Emeritus, former Dean of Harvard Medical School (1997–2007), and former Dean of the School of Medicine (1989–1993) and Chancellor (1993–1997) of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), presents the second guest editorial in this Festschrift issue honoring Dr. Seymour Reichlin's centennial. Drawing from his experience as one of Dr. Reichlin's earliest fellows in 1967 at the University of Rochester, where he completed his PhD in anatomy, Martin provides a personal account of his scientific journey under Reichlin's mentorship. He details their groundbreaking work on hypothalamic-pituitary regulation, which laid the foundation for Martin's distinguished career in neurology and academic medicine. Martin describes Reichlin as the “quintessential physician-scientist,” highlighting his mentor's exceptional breadth of knowledge and innovative approach to neuroendocrine research. Their decades-long collaboration culminated in co-authoring the definitive 1987 textbook Clinical Neuroendocrinology and numerous influential publications. The guest editorial offers unique insights into Reichlin's lasting impact on the field from one of academic medicine's most accomplished leaders, including observations of his mentor's continued scientific contributions at age 100, exploring novel applications of neuroendocrine regulators in cognition and sensory function.