Ruth L. Kirschstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth L. Kirschstein
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Born | 12 October 1926 |
| Died | 6 October 2009 (aged 82) |
| Alma mater | Long Island University Tulane University School of Medicine |
| Known for | Polio vaccine safety research First woman appointed director of an NIH Institute |
| Spouse(s) | Alan S. Rabson |
| Children | Arnold B. Rabson |
| Awards | Election to the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, U. S. Public Health Service (PHS) Superior Service Award (1978), the Presidential Meritorious Executive Rank Award (1980), PHS Special Recognition Award (1985), Presidential Distinguished Executive Rank Award (the highest honor for a career civil servant) (1985), and the Women of Achievement Award from the Jewish Anti-Defamation League (2000) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Pathology, Government Administration |
Ruth Lillian Kirschstein (born October 12, 1926 – died October 6, 2009) was an amazing American scientist. She was a pathologist, which means she studied diseases and how they affect the body. She also worked as a science administrator at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH is a very important government agency in the United States that helps with medical research.
Dr. Kirschstein held many important jobs at the NIH. She was the director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. She also served as the deputy director of the entire NIH in the 1990s. Twice, she even became the acting director of the NIH, once in 1993 and again from 2000 to 2002.
She was recognized for her work by being chosen as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of Medicine. In 2002, the U.S. Congress honored her by renaming a special fellowship program for graduate students. It is now called the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award. This award helps young scientists get money to continue their studies and research.
Ruth Kirschstein's Early Life and Education
Ruth Kirschstein was born in Brooklyn, New York. When she was young, she trained to be a classical pianist. This means she was very good at playing the piano! However, she decided to follow a different path and went into medicine instead.
She studied at Long Island University and graduated in 1947. She then earned her medical degree from Tulane University in 1951. After medical school, she completed her internship in medicine and surgery at Kings County Hospital. She also did special training called medical residencies in pathology. This training took place at Providence Hospital in Detroit, Tulane University Hospital, and the Clinical Center at the NIH.
A Leader in Science and Research
Dr. Kirschstein was known for her important research into the safety of the Polio vaccine. This vaccine helped protect many people from polio, a serious disease. Her work helped make sure the vaccine was safe for everyone.
She was also the first woman to be appointed as a director of an institute within the NIH. This was a big achievement and opened doors for other women in science. Throughout her career, she received many awards for her dedication and leadership. These included the U.S. Public Health Service Superior Service Award and the Presidential Distinguished Executive Rank Award, which is a very high honor for someone working in government.
Ruth Kirschstein's life showed how important it is to follow your passions and contribute to science. She helped make the world a healthier place through her research and leadership.
