Mary Ellen Avery

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Mary Ellen Avery (May 6, 1927 – December 4, 2011) was an American pediatrician and pulmonologist whose groundbreaking research revolutionized the treatment of premature babies with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Her discovery of the substance lacking in the lungs of premature infants, later identified as surfactant, has saved the lives of millions of newborns around the world.

Early Life and Education

Mary Ellen Avery was born in Camden, New Jersey, and grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey. From a young age, she was determined to pursue a career in medicine. Avery earned her undergraduate degree from Wheaton College in 1948 and her medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1952. She faced significant gender barriers in her early career but persevered, completing her residency in pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Career and Research

After her residency, Avery's interest in respiratory problems in newborns led her to work at the Harvard School of Public Health, where she collaborated with Jere Mead. Their research focused on the mechanics of breathing and lung function in newborns. In 1959, Avery made the critical discovery that premature infants were dying because they lacked a substance in their lungs that she termed "surfactant." This substance reduces surface tension in the lungs, allowing them to remain open and absorb oxygen. Avery's work identified the cause of RDS, which was previously unknown, and paved the way for the development of surfactant replacement therapy.

Impact and Legacy

Avery's discovery has had a profound impact on neonatology, transforming the outcomes for premature infants worldwide. Before her research, the mortality rate for infants with RDS was over 70%. Today, with the use of surfactant therapy, the majority of these infants survive. Avery's contributions to pediatric medicine and her role as a pioneer for women in science have been widely recognized. She served as the first female physician-in-chief at Children's Hospital Boston and was a professor at Harvard Medical School.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Avery received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science in 1991, for her contributions to medical science. She was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Death and Legacy

Mary Ellen Avery passed away on December 4, 2011. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she has saved through her research and the inspiration she continues to provide to future generations of scientists and physicians. Avery's work exemplifies the impact of dedicated research on global health and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.