Effie Ellis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Effie O'Neal Ellis
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Undated photograph
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| Born |
Effie O'Neal
June 15, 1913 Hawkinsville, Georgia
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| Died | July 5, 1994 (aged 81) Chicago, Illinois
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Spelman College University of Illinois College of Medicine |
| Occupation | Pediatrician, Activist |
| Known for | lowering infant mortality rates in Chicago |
| Spouse(s) | Arthur. W. Ellis James D. Solomon |
Effie O'Neal Ellis (born June 15, 1913 – died July 5, 1994) was an American doctor who specialized in children's health (a pediatrician). She also worked to improve health care for babies and mothers. Dr. Ellis was a pioneer, becoming the first African American woman to hold a high leadership role in the American Medical Association. In 1989, she was honored in the Chicago Women's Hall of Fame for her important work. She helped improve the lives of many people and significantly lowered the number of babies who died young.
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Early Life and Education
Effie O'Neal Ellis was born in Hawkinsville, Georgia. Her parents were Joshua P. O'Neal and Althea (Hamilton) O'Neal.
College Years
In 1933, she earned her first college degree from Spelman College. She studied Biology and Chemistry. After that, she went to graduate school at Atlanta University. There, she earned a master's degree in biology in 1935.
Medical School
Dr. Ellis continued her education and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1950. She was a top student, graduating with honors and ranking fifth in her class.
Amazing Career and Achievements
After graduate school, Effie Ellis received a special grant. This allowed her to study diseases and parasites in Puerto Rico. This experience made her passionate about making sure everyone had good healthcare, no matter how much money they had.
Helping Children and Families
From 1951 to 1952, Dr. Ellis worked as a children's doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital. She cared deeply about the health of the Black community, especially children. She wanted to lower the number of babies who died young. She helped create programs for parents and educational materials for the March of Dimes. She spent a lot of her time helping new and expecting mothers.
Specializing in Heart Health
From 1952 to 1953, Dr. Ellis received another special fellowship. She studied pediatric cardiology (heart problems in children) at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She became an expert in care for mothers, care before birth, care after birth, and preventing health problems. Her team even helped create a way to save "blue babies". These are infants who don't get enough oxygen.
Breaking Barriers
In 1970, Dr. Ellis made history. She became the first African American woman to hold an executive position in the American Medical Association. She held this important role for five years. Before that, in 1960, she became a Director of Maternal Care and Health Care for Ohio's Department of Health. In 1970, she was also chosen to be part of the President's Committee on the Handicapped.
Recognition and Legacy
For all her hard work and dedication, Dr. Effie O'Neal Ellis was inducted into the Chicago Women's Hall of Fame in 1989. Her efforts significantly improved health care for many families.
Personal Life and Passing
Effie Ellis married Arthur W. Ellis in 1935. Later, she married James D. Solomon on March 23, 1953. She passed away at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on July 5, 1994.
