Maria J. Merino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria J. Merino
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2003
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| Born | 1950 (age 74–75) Valladolid, Spain
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| Alma mater | Central University of Venezuela |
| Spouse(s) |
Ronald D. Neumann
(m. 1979) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Pathology, clinical research |
| Institutions | Yale School of Medicine National Cancer Institute |
Maria J. Merino (born in 1950) is a Spanish doctor who studies diseases. She is a pathologist and a scientist. Dr. Merino researches special genes that stop cancer from growing. She also studies breast cancer. She leads a special team at the National Cancer Institute that looks at tissues to understand diseases.
Early Life and Education
Maria Merino was born in Valladolid, Spain, in 1950. When she was young, her family moved to Venezuela. She finished high school in Caracas in 1966. In 1974, she earned her medical degree from the Central University of Venezuela.
Later in 1974, she moved to the United States. She trained to become a pathologist at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. From 1977 to 1978, she was the chief resident there. This means she was a leader among the doctors in training.
In 1979, she finished her special training in surgical pathology at Yale. This type of pathology focuses on studying tissues removed during surgery. In the same year, she married a scientist and doctor named Ronald D. Neumann. Dr. Darryl D. Carter was an important teacher for Dr. Merino at Yale.
Her Career in Medicine
After her training, Dr. Merino taught pathology at Yale School of Medicine. She also worked as a consultant at several hospitals in Connecticut. In 1982, she became the director of gynecologic pathology at Yale University. This role meant she led the study of diseases related to women's health.
In 1985, Dr. Merino joined the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI is a very important place for cancer research. She started as a senior medical officer. In 1987, she became the chief of the translational surgical pathology section. She also became the director of the histology lab. This lab studies tissues in great detail.
Dr. Merino is a member of many important groups. These include the NCI's Breast Cancer Think Tank Task Force. She is also part of the International Academy of Pathology. These groups help doctors and scientists share knowledge about diseases.
Her Research Work
Dr. Merino is very interested in studying conditions that might lead to cancer. She looks for early signs of disease. This helps doctors find ways to stop serious cancers from developing. Her work helps us understand how cancers start and grow.
Awards and Honors
In 1995, Dr. Merino was given a special honor. She became a member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Medicine. This is a very respected group in Spain.
