Dorothy Price

Dorothy Stopford at Meath Hospital

Dorothy Price (1890–1954) was an Irish physician renowned for her pioneering work in the field of tuberculosis (TB) treatment and prevention in Ireland. She played a crucial role in the establishment of the BCG vaccine program in Ireland, significantly reducing the incidence of TB in the country.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Dorothy Price was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1890. She attended the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), where she graduated with a degree in medicine. Her early career was marked by her dedication to improving public health and combating infectious diseases.

Career and Contributions[edit | edit source]

Dorothy Price's most notable contribution was her work in the fight against tuberculosis. In the early 20th century, TB was a major public health issue in Ireland, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Price recognized the importance of vaccination and was instrumental in introducing the BCG vaccine to Ireland.

Introduction of the BCG Vaccine[edit | edit source]

In the 1930s, Dorothy Price advocated for the use of the BCG vaccine, which had been developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin in France. She faced considerable opposition from both the medical community and the public, but her persistence paid off. In 1949, the Irish government officially adopted the BCG vaccination program, largely due to her efforts.

Public Health Initiatives[edit | edit source]

In addition to her work with the BCG vaccine, Price was involved in various public health initiatives aimed at controlling the spread of tuberculosis. She worked closely with the Irish Red Cross and other organizations to promote better hygiene, nutrition, and living conditions, which were critical in reducing the incidence of TB.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Dorothy Price's contributions to medicine and public health have had a lasting impact on Ireland. Her work with the BCG vaccine helped to significantly reduce the prevalence of tuberculosis, saving countless lives. She is remembered as a pioneer in the field of infectious disease control and a champion of public health.