Saul Krugman

Saul Krugman

Born	April 7, 1911
Birth place	Bronx, New York, USA
Died	October 26, 1995
Place of death	Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Nationality	American
Known for	Hepatitis research, Rubella vaccine development

Saul Krugman (April 7, 1911 – October 26, 1995) was an American pediatrician and virologist renowned for his pioneering research in the field of infectious diseases, particularly hepatitis and rubella. His work significantly advanced the understanding and prevention of these diseases, leading to the development of effective vaccines.

Early Life and Education

Saul Krugman was born in the Bronx, New York City, to a family of Jewish immigrants. He attended New York University (NYU), where he earned his undergraduate degree and later his medical degree in 1939. Following his graduation, Krugman completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.

Career and Research

Krugman joined the faculty of the New York University School of Medicine in 1943, where he began his groundbreaking research on infectious diseases. During the 1950s and 1960s, Krugman conducted extensive studies on hepatitis, particularly focusing on its transmission and prevention.

Hepatitis Research

Krugman's research on hepatitis was conducted primarily at the Willowbrook State School, a facility for children with intellectual disabilities. His studies demonstrated that hepatitis was caused by a virus and could be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. This work was instrumental in the development of the hepatitis B vaccine, which has since become a standard preventive measure worldwide.

Rubella Vaccine Development

In addition to his work on hepatitis, Krugman was involved in the development of the rubella vaccine. His research contributed to the understanding of the rubella virus and its effects, particularly in pregnant women, leading to the creation of a vaccine that has significantly reduced the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome.

Ethical Controversies

Krugman's research, particularly at Willowbrook, has been the subject of ethical scrutiny. Critics have argued that the studies conducted on vulnerable populations raised significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding informed consent and the use of human subjects in medical research. These controversies have sparked ongoing discussions about the ethics of medical experimentation and the protection of human subjects.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Krugman received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medical science, including the prestigious Lasker Award in 1983. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and served as president of the American Pediatric Society.

Legacy

Saul Krugman's work has had a lasting impact on the field of pediatrics and infectious disease research. His contributions to vaccine development have saved countless lives and continue to influence public health policies worldwide.

Also see

• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Rubella
• Vaccine development
• Medical ethics
• Willowbrook State School