Marilyn Gaston facts for kids

Marilyn Hughes Gaston, born on January 31, 1939, is a very important doctor and scientist. She made history as the first Black woman to lead the Bureau of Primary Health Care, which is part of the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Dr. Gaston is best known for her amazing research on sickle cell disease (SCD).

Early Life and Education

Marilyn Hughes Gaston was born in 1939 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She first went to Miami University and graduated in 1960. Later, she attended the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, finishing in 1964.

Becoming a Pediatrician

After medical school, Dr. Gaston chose to specialize in pediatric medicine, which is healthcare for children. She was the only woman and the only African American in her graduating class. She completed her first year of training at Philadelphia General Hospital. Then, she finished her pediatric training at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Overcoming Challenges

Growing up, Marilyn's family did not have much money. This made her dream of becoming a doctor seem very difficult. However, she never let her background stop her. She was determined to follow her dream, even though she was Black, from a poor family, and a woman.

Family and Personal Life

Marilyn grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, in a small three-room apartment. She lived in public housing with her younger and older half-brother. Money was very tight for her family. Her father, Myron Hughes, worked as a waiter, and her mother, Dorothy Hughes, was a Medical secretary.

Inspiration to Become a Doctor

Even though her family faced financial struggles, Marilyn remembers her childhood being full of laughter and love. She did not get much encouragement to become a doctor because of the cost of medical school. However, a big reason she wanted to be a doctor was because her mother, Dorothy Hughes, had Cervical cancer and no health insurance. This experience made Dr. Gaston dedicated to public health and helping others.

Helping Families Get Healthcare

Dr. Gaston worked hard to make healthcare affordable for families who did not have much money. She became the first Black woman to lead a public health service bureau. This was the Bureau of Primary Health Care within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). With a budget of $5 million, she helped many families. This program gave people access to medical workers, supplies, and facilities. It also provided medical care for older adults, pregnant women, and new immigrants.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Gaston has received many awards throughout her life. These include the National Medical Association (NMA’s) Lifetime Achievement Award. She also received every honor given by the Public Health Service. In fact, "Marilyn Hughes Gaston Day" is celebrated every year in Cincinnati and in Lincoln Heights, Ohio.

Important Work on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

While training at Philadelphia General Hospital, Dr. Gaston became very interested in sickle cell disease. This happened when a baby came to the emergency room with a very swollen hand. There was no sign of injury. Dr. Gaston was told to test for sickle cell disease, and the baby did have it.

A Major Discovery

Dr. Gaston realized she had never thought to test for SCD before. This made her want to learn everything she could about the disease. She worked with the National Institutes for Health to study it. In 1986, she made a huge discovery that changed the lives of babies with SCD.

Early Screening and Treatment

Her study showed that babies need to be tested for sickle cell disease very early. If a baby tests positive, they should start a special treatment by four months of age. This treatment involves taking penicillin by mouth. Taking penicillin helps prevent serious infections. Because of Dr. Gaston's work, Congress passed a law. This law made early SCD screenings common, so treatment can start right away for babies who need it.

See also

In Spanish: Marilyn Gaston para niños