Wade Hampton Frost

Wade Hampton Frost

Wade Hampton Frost (March 3, 1880 – May 1, 1938) was a pioneering American epidemiologist and the first professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. He is often regarded as one of the founding figures in the field of epidemiology in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Frost was born in Marshall, Virginia. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia in 1901 and received his medical degree from the same institution in 1903.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Frost joined the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) in 1905. During his tenure at the USPHS, he worked on various public health issues, including the control of tuberculosis, influenza, and malaria.

In 1919, Frost was appointed as the first professor of epidemiology at the newly established Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. He played a crucial role in developing the curriculum and establishing the department as a leading center for epidemiological research and training.

Contributions to Epidemiology

Frost made significant contributions to the field of epidemiology, particularly in the areas of infectious disease control and statistical methods. He was instrumental in developing methods for the analysis of epidemic data and the study of disease transmission.

One of his notable works includes his research on the 1918 influenza pandemic, where he analyzed the patterns of the disease spread and its impact on different populations. His work laid the foundation for modern epidemiological methods and public health strategies.

Legacy

Frost's contributions to epidemiology have had a lasting impact on public health. He trained and mentored many students who went on to become prominent figures in the field. The Wade Hampton Frost Lectureship was established in his honor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of epidemiology.

Death

Wade Hampton Frost passed away on May 1, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to public health and epidemiology.

See Also

• Epidemiology
• Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health
• 1918 influenza pandemic
• United States Public Health Service