Alma Dea Morani facts for kids
Alma Dea Morani (1907–2001) was a pioneering plastic surgeon. She is known as the first female plastic surgeon in the United States. She was also the first woman accepted into the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This was a big step for women in medicine!
Early Life
Alma Dea Morani was very artistic from a young age. Her father, Salvatore Morani, was a sculptor. He was famous for sculpting surgeons' hands. Morani loved art, just like her father. This love for art actually inspired her to become a plastic surgeon.
When she was a teenager, Morani was an active Girl Scout. Through Girl Scouts, she learned how to help with minor medical injuries. This experience made her even more interested in medicine.
Education
Morani went to New York University (NYU) and finished her studies there in 1928. After that, she attended the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania (WMCP). She earned her medical degree from WMCP in 1931. She then completed her residency, which is like advanced training, at the same college in 1935.
Career
Morani was the first female resident at WMCP until 1935. She started practicing plastic surgery in 1938. At this time, she became known as the first female plastic surgeon in the United States. To get even better at surgery, Morani went to the American College of Surgeons in 1941.
After this, Morani did a special training program called a fellowship. She worked under a very respected surgeon, Colonel J. Brown. Later, Morani returned to WMCP. She began teaching there, giving lectures to students. Over 27 years, she worked her way up to become a full professor. She always loved both surgery and art. She found ways to include both in her lessons.
Morani also helped many people and spoke up for important causes. During World War II, she helped raise money. This money kept clinics open in places like the Philippines and Russia. She also volunteered at Valley Forge Hospital. There, she performed reconstructive surgery on wounded soldiers for free. Morani was also active in politics. She strongly supported women's rights. She pushed for women to be able to enter the field of medicine as easily as men.
Achievements
Morani was the first female member accepted into the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This was a major achievement for women in her field.
In 1948, Morani started The Hand Clinic at Women's Medical College Hospital. Here, students could get real-world experience working with patients.
Morani also made a lasting impact on the art world. She contributed to the Morani Gallery of Art. Her artwork can be seen there today. Most of Morani’s art was inspired by her medical work. That's why her gallery is located inside her old medical school. This school was later renamed The Medical College of Pennsylvania. It is the only medical school in the country with its own art gallery.
Alma Dea Morani Award
The Alma Dea Morani M.D., Renaissance Women Award was created in her name in 2000. This award honors women doctors or scientists. It celebrates those who have made important contributions outside of medicine. It also recognizes those who help improve medical practice. The award itself is shaped like a surgeon's hand. This represents both Morani's and her father's love for sculpting.
- 2000: Alma Dea Morani M.D., FACS
- 2001: Barbara Barlow M.D., FACS
- 2002: Carola B. Eisenburg
- 2003: Mary Ellen Avery M.D.
- 2004: Christine E. Haycock M.D., FACS
- 2005: Audrey E. Evans M.D.
- 2006: Mary Guinan Ph.D., M.D.
- 2007: Catherine D. DeAngelis M.D. MPH
- 2008: Ellen R. Gritz Ph.D
- 2009: Carol C. Nadelson M.D.
- 2010: Marjorie S. Sirridge M.D.
- 2011: Rita Charon M.D., Ph.D.
- 2012: N. Lynn Eckhert M.D., MPH, DrPH
- 2013: Florence P. Haseltine Ph.D., M.D.
- 2014: Deborah German M.D.
- 2015: Mary-Claire King Ph.D.
- 2016: Paula Johnson M.D., MPH
- 2017: Elizabeth Blackburn Ph.D., and Carol Greider Ph. D.
