Virginia Apgar

Developed the Apgar Score, revolutionizing newborn medical care

Virginia Apgar, an American obstetrical anesthesiologist, transformed neonatal medicine with her creation of the Apgar Score in 1952. This simple five-point assessment, evaluating a newborn's heart rate, breathing, and color, became the first standardized method to identify infants needing urgent care. Before her innovation, doctors often overlooked critical health issues in newborns.

Apgar's system reduced infant mortality rates dramatically and laid the groundwork for modern neonatology. Her research also highlighted the dangers of maternal anesthesia on babies, leading to safer practices. Read her groundbreaking study in The Journal of the AMA.

As a trailblazer for women in medicine, she became the first full professor at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Later, she advocated for rubella vaccination and founded the March of Dimes' genetics program. Her work continues to save millions of lives annually.

Apgar's legacy extends beyond her score. She authored over 60 scientific papers and co-wrote the book "Is My Baby All Right?", educating parents about birth defects. Her holistic approach to patient care remains a model in medical education.