Gift to aid Neuroanatomy Museum

Willard H. Bernhoft and his wife, Clarice L., made the gift in honor of Harold Brody, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology who spearheaded establishment of the museum in 1994. It is dedicated to the study of the brain and consists of specimens, models, photographs, X-rays, brain images and computerized multi-media instructional material in neuroanatomy, as well as other exhibits.

"Dr. Brody...has served as an inspiration to a lot of medical students and colleagues at UB," said Bernhoft, UB emeritus professor of colorectal surgery. "He devoted much time to this project and even traveled to Denmark to study and learn how to create a neuroanatomy museum right here at UB. I greatly admired his work in setting up the museum."

Bernhoft received a bachelor's degree from UB in 1931, then entered UB medical school. After receiving his medical degree, he served from 1942-46 as a neurosurgeon in the U.S. Army during and immediately after World War II. On his return to Buffalo, he opened a private practice in colorectal surgery that continues today. His 60-year career also included serving as a consultant at the Department of Veterans Affairs Western New York Health Care System from 1946-96.

During his years teaching at UB from 1946-76, he helped acquire books for and continues to be a supporter of the medical school's Willard Bernhoft and Carlo DeSantis Library of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Neuroanatomy, also established by Brody.