Dr. Griselda “Bee” Hanlon – ACVR’s First Woman Diplomate

Women’s History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observance and celebration of women’s vital role in American History. Let’s remember Dr. Griselda “Bee” Hanlon and all her contributions to veterinary radiology.  The paragraphs below are taken from her “In Memoriam” page, written by Drs. Carl Jessen and Dan Feeney in 2001 (Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2001;52 (3):353).   

Dr. Griselda “Bee” Hanlon of Roseville, Minnesota died on January 14, 2010 at the age of 87. Bee was born and raised in Montana, attended Montana State College and graduated with a degree in entomology. Following graduation, she spent time in the US Navy working in the Malaria eradication program. Following her military service Bee entered veterinary college and in 1952 was one of two women at the University of Minnesota to earn the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She then earned a Master of Science degree and was hired as the first woman tenure track Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses on her way to becoming a full Professor in the early 1970s.

Bee became the first female Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 1969. She later served as secretary of the ACVR. In 1973, she was selected as the US representative to the International Association of Veterinary Radiology and served as chairwoman of its international program that year. She was also a member of several professional societies including the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Council, and the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians. Bee authored numerous articles for publication in journals including Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, Veterinary Pathology, and the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Bee retired from University service in 1985 but continued to receive accolades for her work. She received the College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Service Award in 1992 and was named Veterinarian of the Year in 2006 by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association for her work in founding and providing years of service to the Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum. She was included in the 1970 edition of American Men & Women in Science, in a 1973 listing of Who’s Who of American Women, and Who’s Who of Women in Education in 1978. She was also recognized as a women scientist at the University of Minnesota in a ceremony held in the fall of 2009, just a few months before her death. University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Trevor Ames made these comments on Bee’s career. “Dr. Hanlon served as a wonderful example for students and co-workers with her dedication, hard work, and passion for veterinary medicine and research. She was greatly respected by her peers and her legacy will live through the hundreds of students she trained during her career. We were fortunate and honored to have had a pioneer like Dr. Hanlon be a member of our faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine.”

On a more personal note, Bee was a sincere and caring person who viewed all of her colleagues as personal friends. Her home was always open to visitors and she was known for providing a warm environment to those away from home during the holidays. Bee was a good listener for both professional and personal issues. She was also known as a warm and helpful teacher and mentor. Bee served as a great example for the individual considering a career in veterinary medicine, particularly specialty veterinary medicine. She will be missed by all her friends and colleagues.

CARL L. JESSEN, DVM, DANIEL FEENEY, DVM

Hanlon GF. Normal and abnormal bone growth in the dog. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1962;3(1)

Chesney CF, Hanlon GF. Developing pseudoarthrosis of the proximal femurs in an infanct rhesus monkey. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1971;12(1)

Carrig CB, Wortman JA, Morris EL, Blevins WE, Root CR, Hanlon GF, Suter PF. Ectrodactyly (split-hand deformity) in the dog. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1981;22(3)