Georgios Papanikolaou

Georgios Papanikolaou (or George Papanicolaou; May 13, 1883 – February 19, 1962) was a Greek physician, biologist, and cytologist who is best known for inventing the Pap smear, a method of detecting cervical cancer.

Early life and education

Papanikolaou was born on May 13, 1883, in Kymi, Euboea, Greece. He studied at the University of Athens where he received his medical degree in 1904. He then went on to study at the University of Munich, where he received his PhD in Zoology in 1910.

Career

After completing his studies, Papanikolaou worked in the military as a doctor during the Balkan Wars. In 1913, he moved to the United States and began working at the New York Hospital and the Cornell University Medical College.

In 1928, Papanikolaou developed the Pap smear, a test that could detect early signs of cervical cancer and uterine cancer. This test has since become a standard procedure in gynecology and has saved countless lives.

Papanikolaou also made significant contributions to the understanding of the menstrual cycle, discovering that it could be tracked through changes in the vaginal smear.

Legacy

Papanikolaou's work has had a profound impact on women's health, with the Pap smear being a crucial tool in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. His contributions to medicine have been recognized by numerous awards and honors, including the Lasker Award in 1950.

See also

• Pap smear
• Cervical cancer
• Cornell University Medical College