Marilyn Gaston facts for kids

Marilyn Hughes Gaston (born 31 January 1939) is a famous doctor and researcher. She was the first Black woman to lead an important health office in the United States. This office was called the Bureau of Primary Health Care within the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. She is best known for her important work studying sickle cell disease (SCD).

Early Life

Marilyn Hughes Gaston was born in 1939 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She first went to Miami University and graduated in 1960. Later, she graduated from medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1964. She chose to study pediatric medicine, which is about caring for children.

In her medical school class, she was the only woman and the only African American student. She completed her first year of training at Philadelphia General Hospital. Then, she finished her special training in pediatric medicine at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center. When Marilyn was a child, her family did not have much money. This made it seem hard for her to become a doctor. But she never let being Black, poor, or a woman stop her dreams.

Family and Inspiration

Marilyn grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She lived in a small, three-room apartment in public housing with her two half-brothers. Money was very tight for her family. Her father, Myron Hughes, worked as a waiter. Her mother, Dorothy Hughes, was a Medical secretary. Even though they didn't have much, Marilyn remembers her childhood being full of laughter and love.

At first, she didn't get much encouragement to become a doctor. People thought it would be too hard for her family to pay for medical school. A big reason Marilyn wanted to be a doctor was because her mother, Dorothy Hughes, had Cervical cancer. Her mother did not have health insurance to help with the costs. Her family's struggles with money and health inspired Marilyn to work in public health. She wanted to help everyone get good healthcare.

Helping Others with Healthcare

Dr. Gaston worked hard to bring affordable healthcare to families who were poor. She became the first Black woman to lead a public health service office. This office was the Bureau of Primary Health Care within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

With a budget of only $5 million, she helped many families. Her program gave poor families access to doctors, medical supplies, and healthcare buildings. This was the same kind of care that most Americans could get. The program also helped older people, pregnant women, and new immigrants get medical care.

Discovering a Sickle Cell Breakthrough

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

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

She found that babies needed to be tested for the disease very early. If a baby tested positive, they should start a special treatment by four months old. This treatment involved taking penicillin by mouth. Taking penicillin helps stop serious infections. Because of her work, Congress passed a law for early sickle cell disease screenings. This means treatment can start right away for babies who need it.

Awards and Recognition

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

See also

In Spanish: Marilyn Gaston para niños