Anna Wessels Williams

Anna Wessels Williams (1863–1954) was a prominent American physician and pathologist known for her significant contributions to the field of microbiology. She is best remembered for her work on the diphtheria antitoxin.

Early Life and Education

Williams was born in Hackensack, New Jersey in 1863. She completed her early education in her hometown before enrolling at the Woman's Medical College of the New York Infirmary where she graduated in 1891.

Career

After graduation, Williams joined the New York City Department of Health as a bacteriologist. In 1894, she and William H. Park developed a more effective diphtheria antitoxin. This antitoxin played a crucial role in controlling the diphtheria epidemic in New York City.

In 1905, Williams was appointed as the Assistant Director of the Research Laboratory at the Department of Health. She held this position until her retirement in 1923. During her tenure, she conducted extensive research on influenza, pneumonia, and poliomyelitis.

Legacy

Williams' work on the diphtheria antitoxin significantly reduced the mortality rate of the disease. Her research in microbiology has had a lasting impact on the field. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1995 for her contributions to medicine and science.

See Also

• History of medicine
• Women in medicine