Charles Drew (surgeon)

Charles Richard Drew
Charles R. Drew, American surgeon and medical researcher
Born	(1904-06-03)June 3, 1904 Washington, D.C., United States
Died	April 1, 1950(1950-04-01) (aged 45) Burlington, North Carolina, United States
Nationality	American
Known for	Blood bank, Blood plasma preservation
Scientific career
Fields	Surgery, Blood transfusion

Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904 – April 1, 1950) was an American surgeon and medical researcher. He is renowned for his pioneering work in the field of blood transfusion, particularly for developing improved techniques for blood storage and for organizing the first large-scale blood banks during World War II.

Early Life and Education

Charles Drew was born in Washington, D.C., to Richard and Nora Drew. He attended Dunbar High School, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic standards. Drew excelled in both academics and athletics, earning a scholarship to Amherst College in Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1926.

After college, Drew worked as a biology instructor and coach at Morgan College (now Morgan State University) in Baltimore. He then pursued medical studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degrees in 1933. At McGill, Drew was mentored by Dr. John Beattie, who influenced his interest in blood research.

Medical Career and Research

In 1938, Drew began his residency at Columbia University and Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Under the guidance of Dr. Allen Whipple, he conducted groundbreaking research on blood preservation. His doctoral thesis, "Banked Blood: A Study in Blood Preservation," earned him a Doctor of Medical Science degree in 1940.

Drew's work on blood storage led to the development of large-scale blood banks. During World War II, he was appointed as the medical director of the "Blood for Britain" project, which collected and shipped blood plasma to aid British soldiers. His innovations in blood storage and transfusion were critical in saving countless lives.

Contributions to Blood Banking

Drew's research focused on the separation and storage of blood plasma, which can be preserved longer than whole blood. He developed techniques to process and store plasma, making it possible to transport it over long distances. His work laid the foundation for modern blood banking and transfusion medicine.

In 1941, Drew became the first director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank. However, he resigned in protest when the military insisted on segregating blood donations by race, a policy he strongly opposed.

Legacy and Honors

Charles Drew's contributions to medicine have been widely recognized. He was posthumously awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1944. Numerous schools, medical institutions, and scholarships have been named in his honor, reflecting his enduring impact on medical science and civil rights.

Death

Drew died in a car accident on April 1, 1950, in Burlington, North Carolina. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of medical professionals and researchers.

Also see

• Blood transfusion
• Blood bank
• American Red Cross
• World War II
• African American scientists