William Warrick Cardozo facts for kids

William Warrick Cardozo (1905–1962) was a talented doctor who specialized in treating children. He also taught at Howard University College of Medicine and worked as a school doctor for the District of Columbia Board of Health.

Dr. Cardozo is most famous for his important studies on sickle cell anemia. He also wrote articles about other health topics. These included Hodgkin’s disease, how children's stomachs and intestines work, and the growth of African American children. He was one of the first African American doctors to make big contributions to healthcare.

Early Life and School

William Warrick Cardozo was born and grew up in Washington, D.C.. His father, Frederick Lewis Cardozo, worked for the public schools in Washington, D.C. He even became the head of the schools for African American children.

William went to high school at the Hampton Institute in Virginia. After that, he studied at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. He then went to The Ohio State University.

When he was a senior in college, he was one of the top students. He got an internship at City Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He was only the fourth African American person to have this chance. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1929. He then received his medical degree (M.D.) from The Ohio State University in 1933.

Career and Discoveries

In 1935, Dr. Cardozo received a special two-year scholarship. This allowed him to study children's health at two hospitals in Chicago: Provident Hospital and Children's Memorial Hospital.

During this time, he started his research on sickle cell anemia. He received money to help with his studies from the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. His most important paper was called “Immunologic Studies in Sickle Cell Anemia."

In this paper, he shared key findings about sickle cell anemia. He found that it is most common in people of African heritage. He also showed that not everyone with sickle cell anemia is always sick. He proved that not all cases are deadly. He also discovered that sickle cell anemia is a Mendelian trait. This means it is passed down through genes from parents to children.

After his scholarship ended in 1937, Dr. Cardozo joined Howard University. He taught part-time in the Department of Pediatrics. Later, he became a professor there. He also worked at Freedmen’s Hospital at Howard University. He was very active in the clinic that focused on children's stomach and intestine health.

For 24 years, Dr. Cardozo also worked as a school doctor for the District of Columbia Department of Health. During these years, he wrote more articles. These included papers on Hodgkin’s disease and the growth of African American children. In 1942, he officially became a certified pediatrician. This meant he was recognized as an expert in children's medicine.

Community Involvement

Dr. Cardozo was very involved in the medical world and in his community in Washington, D.C.. He was a member of many important groups. These included the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Medical Association. He was also part of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. In 1930, while still a student, he was elected a leader in this fraternity.

He also started the Howard University branch of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. This is a group that honors excellent medical students and doctors. He was the secretary and treasurer of this group when he passed away.

Dr. Cardozo also volunteered his time. He worked as a doctor at the Ionia R. Whipper Home. He also advised on health and welfare issues in his community.

Personal Life

Dr. Cardozo was a member of the Episcopal Church. One of his favorite hobbies was photography.

Dr. Cardozo had a heart attack and died on August 11, 1962. He was married to Mrs. Julia Manly Cardozo. He also had a daughter named Judy Cardozo.