Leila Denmark

Leila Alice Denmark (February 1, 1898 – April 1, 2012) was an American pediatrician who was the world's oldest practicing pediatrician until her retirement in May 2001 at the age of 103. She was a pioneering figure in the field of pediatrics and was one of the few female doctors of her time.

Early Life and Education

Leila Denmark was born in Portal, Georgia, and was the third of twelve children. She attended Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia, where she earned a degree in biology. She then went on to attend the Medical College of Georgia, graduating in 1928 as the only woman in her class.

Medical Career

After completing her internship at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Denmark became the first resident at the Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children at Emory University. She was instrumental in the development of the whooping cough vaccine, which significantly reduced the incidence of the disease.

Denmark opened her own practice in her home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, where she continued to see patients until her retirement. She was known for her practical and straightforward approach to pediatrics, often advising parents on nutrition and preventive care.

Contributions to Pediatrics

Denmark was a strong advocate for breastfeeding and was critical of the overuse of antibiotics in children. She authored the book "Every Child Should Have a Chance," which outlines her philosophy on child-rearing and health care.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Denmark received numerous awards, including the Fisher Award in 1935 for her work on the whooping cough vaccine. She was also honored by the Georgia General Assembly and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Personal Life

Leila Denmark was married to John Eustace Denmark, and they had one daughter. She lived a long and active life, attributing her longevity to her healthy lifestyle and dedication to her work.

Legacy

Denmark's legacy continues to influence the field of pediatrics. Her work on the whooping cough vaccine and her advocacy for children's health have left a lasting impact on medical practice and public health.

See Also

• Pediatrics
• Whooping cough vaccine
• Breastfeeding

References

Leila,

 Every Child Should Have a Chance, 
  
 Vantage Press, 
 1971,

Leila Denmark, Pediatrician, Dies at 114 Full text,

 , 
  
 April 3, 2012,

External Links

• Leila Denmark on WikiMD