Cornelius P. Rhoades (1898–1959) was a controversial figure in the history of American medicine, remembered both for his contributions to cancer research and for allegations of unethical practices that have overshadowed his legacy. Career Achievements: 1. Medical Background: Rhoades was a prominent pathologist and oncologist who made significant contributions to cancer research, particularly in chemotherapy. 2. Chemotherapy Pioneer: He played a key role in the development of nitrogen mustard as a treatment for cancer, laying the groundwork for modern chemotherapy. 3. Sloan-Kettering Institute: Rhoades served as the first director of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, a leading cancer research institution. 4. Awards and Recognition: He received various accolades during his career, including leadership roles in the National Cancer Institute. Controversy: Rhoades’s career is marred by allegations of unethical conduct stemming from his time in Puerto Rico during the early 1930s: 1. 1931 Incident in Puerto Rico: While working for the Rockefeller Foundation, Rhoades wrote a shocking and racist letter in which he claimed to have deliberately killed Puerto Rican patients and expressed disdain for the local population. The letter was discovered and caused public outrage. 2. Denial and Defense: Rhoades later claimed the letter was meant as a joke, but many questioned his explanation, given the seriousness of the accusations. 3. Accusations of Experimentation: There were claims that Rhoades engaged in unethical medical experiments on Puerto Rican patients, although these were never conclusively proven. Legacy: • Despite his medical achievements, Rhoades’s reputation remains deeply controversial due to the Puerto Rico scandal. • His actions have been cited as examples of racism and colonial attitudes in medical research, contributing to ongoing distrust of medical institutions in marginalized communities. • The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) initially named an award after him but later rescinded it in 2003 in light of the ethical concerns surrounding his work. Rhoades’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical responsibilities of medical practitioners and the long-lasting impact of systemic racism in science and healthcare. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`