Alan Gregg (physician)

Alan Gregg (1890-1957) was a prominent American psychiatrist and medical administrator who significantly influenced the development of psychiatric research and public health policy in the 20th century. He is best known for his long tenure at the Rockefeller Foundation, where he directed the Division of Medical Education, later known as the Division of Medical Sciences, from 1930 to 1956.

Gregg was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and received his A.B. from Harvard University in 1911 and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1916. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War I, he joined the Rockefeller Foundation.

At the Rockefeller Foundation, Gregg played a pivotal role in shaping medical education and research, both in the United States and internationally. He championed a holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the importance of understanding the psychological and social factors that influence health and illness. He also promoted the development of interdisciplinary research programs that integrated medicine with other fields such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology.

Gregg was instrumental in funding and supporting numerous research institutions and programs, including the Worcester State Hospital research project, which significantly contributed to the understanding of mental illness. He was a strong advocate for the training of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, and he helped to establish and strengthen psychiatric residency programs across the country.

Beyond his work at the Rockefeller Foundation, Gregg was a respected voice in public health policy. He served on numerous national and international committees, advising governments and organizations on issues related to mental health, medical education, and public health.

His publications include "The Furtherance of Medical Research" (1941) and "Challenges to Contemporary Medicine" (1956), which reflect his broad interests and his commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Alan Gregg's contributions to psychiatry, medical education, and public health have had a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a visionary leader who helped to shape the modern landscape of medicine.