Florence R. Sabin

Florence Sabin 1922-09-01

Florence R. Sabin (November 9, 1871 – October 3, 1953) was an American medical scientist. She was a pioneer for women in science and made significant contributions to the field of anatomy and immunology. Sabin was the first woman to hold a full professorship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the first woman elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Early Life and Education

Florence Rena Sabin was born in Central City, Colorado. She was the daughter of George K. Sabin, a mining engineer, and Serena Miner Sabin. After her mother's death, she and her sister moved to Chicago to live with their uncle. Sabin attended Smith College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1893. She later attended the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she graduated in 1900.

Career

After completing her medical degree, Sabin began her career at Johns Hopkins University. She worked under the mentorship of Franklin P. Mall, a prominent anatomist. Sabin's early research focused on the development of the lymphatic system, and she published several influential papers on the topic.

In 1917, Sabin became the first woman to hold a full professorship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research expanded to include the study of tuberculosis and the immune system. In 1924, she was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, becoming the first woman to receive this honor.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1925, Sabin left Johns Hopkins to join the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University). She continued her research on tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. Sabin retired in 1938 but remained active in public health advocacy.

During World War II, Sabin served as a consultant to the Surgeon General of the United States. She also worked on public health initiatives in her home state of Colorado, where she helped to improve the state's public health system.

Florence R. Sabin passed away on October 3, 1953, in Denver, Colorado. She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in science and a pioneer in medical research.

Honors and Awards

• First woman to hold a full professorship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• First woman elected to the National Academy of Sciences
• Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1973

See Also

• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• National Academy of Sciences
• Rockefeller University
• Tuberculosis
• Immunology

External Links

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