In 1911, George Whipple, a professor in research medicine and pathology, made a crucial breakthrough in treating pernicious anemia. He found that feeding dogs raw liver enhanced their recovery post-blood loss, leading to the understanding that liver consumption aids in human anemia treatment due to its vitamin B12 content. This pivotal discovery transformed the management of the once incurable disease, marking a significant milestone in medical advancements in the early 20th century.