Doris L. Wethers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Doris Louise Wethers
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | December 14, 1927 Passaic, New Jersey, United States
|
| Died | January 28, 2019 (aged 91) |
| Alma mater | Queens College Yale University School of Medicine |
| Occupation | Pediatrician |
| Employer | Knickerbocker Hospital Sydenham Hospital St. Luke's–Roosevelt Hospital Center |
| Known for | Sickle-cell disease research |
| Spouse(s) |
Garvall H. Booker
(m. 1953; died 1996) |
| Children | 2 |
Doris Louise Wethers (born December 14, 1927 – died January 28, 2019) was an amazing American doctor. She was a pediatrician, which means she specialized in caring for children. Dr. Wethers is best known for her important work and research on a blood condition called sickle-cell disease.
Contents
About Doris Wethers
Early Life and Education
Doris Wethers was born in Passaic, New Jersey, on December 14, 1927. Her parents were William and Lillian Wethers. She was a very bright student.
In 1948, she graduated with high honors from Queens College. She studied chemistry there. Later, she went to Yale University School of Medicine. In 1952, she earned her medical degree. She was only the third Black woman to achieve this at Yale.
After medical school, Dr. Wethers worked as a pediatrician for ten years. Her office was right next to her father's office. He was also a doctor.
A Leader in Medicine
In 1958, Dr. Wethers made history. She became the first Black attending physician at St. Luke's–Roosevelt Hospital Center. An attending physician is a senior doctor who supervises other doctors.
She also held important leadership roles. From 1961 to 1973, she was the medical director for Speedwell Services for Children. She also directed children's health programs at several hospitals. These included Knickerbocker Hospital and Sydenham Hospital.
Research on Sickle-Cell Disease
Dr. Wethers was very dedicated to understanding sickle-cell disease. This is a genetic blood disorder. It affects red blood cells. In 1979, she received a special grant for her research.
She conducted important research at St. Luke's–Roosevelt Hospital Center. She also taught medical students about sickle-cell disease. She led the hospital's sickle cell program until she retired in 1999.
Dr. Wethers also helped start an organization. It was called the Foundation for Research and Education in Sickle Cell Disease. She co-founded it with Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette and Dr. Lila A. Fenwick.
Important Recommendations
In 1987, Dr. Wethers led a special group. This group looked at how to test for sickle-cell disease. It was set up by the National Institutes of Health.
The group suggested that all newborn babies should be tested for sickle-cell anemia. This included babies of all backgrounds. By 2006, this important practice was happening in every state in the United States. This helped many children get early diagnosis and care.
Later Life
Doris Wethers passed away on January 28, 2019. She was 91 years old. She died in Yonkers, New York, after having a stroke. Her work helped countless children and changed medical practices for the better.
See also
