Frances Oldham Kelsey facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Frances Oldham Kelsey
Frances Oldham Kelsey.png
Born (1914-07-24)24 July 1914
Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia
Died 7 August 2015(2015-08-07) (aged 101)
London, Ontario
Occupation Physician, FDA employee
Known for preventing thalidomide from coming to market in the United States
Spouse(s) Fremont Ellis Kelsey

Frances Kathleen Oldham Kelsey PhD MD (24 July 1914 – 7 August 2015) was an Canadian-American pharmacologist. She was a reviewer for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She refused to authorize thalidomide for market because she had concerns about the drug's safety.

Her concerns proved to be justified when it was proven that thalidomide caused serious birth defects. As a result of her blocking American approval of thalidomide, Kelsey was awarded the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service by President John F. Kennedy, Kelsey retired from the FDA in 2005, at age 90, after 45 years of service.

Kelsey died at her daughter's home in London, Ontario at the age of 101.

Images for kids

  • Frances O. Kelsey (FDA 113) (8205474573)

    The "Drug Detective"

  • Frances O. Kelsey (FDA 171) (8211251003)

    Kelsey in the 1960s

  • Frances Oldham Kelsey and John F. Kennedy

    Kelsey received the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service from President John F. Kennedy, 1962

  • Frances O. Kelsey 2001

    Kelsey (age 87) at the FDA Reception commemorating her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame


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