1. Developing a Vaccine for Whooping Cough
As a young child, Pearl Kendrick contracted whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness. This experience would later shape her life's work, as she dedicated her career to developing a vaccine for the disease. After years of research and dedication, Kendrick was able to create a successful vaccine for whooping cough, a feat that would save countless lives.
Also → Dr. John Snow: Pioneering Public Health Hero
Advertisement2. Vaccine Pioneer
During the Great Depression, Pearl Kendrick faced a daunting challenge in her research for a vaccine for whooping cough: a severe lack of funding. Despite the difficult economic conditions, Kendrick persevered and was eventually able to develop a successful vaccine, which was released in the 1940s and has since saved countless lives.
Also → Pasteur's Legacy: Vaccines and the Fight Against Infectious Diseases
3. Vaccine Research Proposal Appalled
When Pearl Kendrick, a pioneering public health nurse, heard of Eleanor Roosevelt's suggestion to use orphan children for experimental research with vaccines, she was appalled. Kendrick, who had dedicated her life to improving public health, was determined to find a better way to test the vaccines. She proposed using school children instead, believing that it would be more ethical and would provide a larger sample size. Kendrick's suggestion was accepted, and her research ultimately led to the development of the first successful vaccine for whooping cough.
Also → Koch's Legacy: A Century of Progress in TB Research
4. Pearl Kendrick, Retired Public Health Expert, Twice in Lifetime
Pearl Kendrick retired twice in her lifetime; first from the Michigan Department of Public Health, where she had worked for many years, and then from the University of Michigan's Department of Epidemiology. During her time at the Michigan Department of Public Health, she made significant contributions to the field of public health, including the development of the first vaccine for whooping cough. At the University of Michigan, she continued her work in epidemiology, researching and teaching the subject to students. Her dedication to the field of public health and epidemiology has left a lasting legacy.
Also → Jonas Salk: The Man Who Ended Polio
Advertisement5. Pearl Kendrick's Vaccine Proven Successful
After the trial of more than 5,800 children, Pearl Kendrick's vaccine was proven to be a success. The children who received the vaccine had a noticeably stronger immune system than those who did not, demonstrating the effectiveness of Kendrick's work. This trial was a major milestone in the development of vaccines, and it was thanks to Pearl Kendrick's dedication and hard work that it was possible.
Also → Benjamin Cabrera, 1950 Master's Degree in Public Health
6. 35 Day Quarantine Ends Kids' Infectiousness
Pearl Kendrick, a pioneering public health nurse, conducted groundbreaking research in Michigan that proved that children were no longer infectious after a 35 day quarantine period. Her research was a major breakthrough in the field of public health, as it provided a more accurate timeline for quarantine periods and helped to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Kendrick's research was so successful that it was adopted by the state of Michigan, and her findings are still used today to help protect the public from the spread of infectious diseases.
Also → Edward Jenner: Vaccine Pioneer
7. DPT Shot Inventors Pearl Kendrick & Grace Elderling Honored
Pearl Kendrick and her partner, Grace Elderling, are credited with the invention of the DPT shot, a vaccine still used today to protect against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. This groundbreaking discovery has saved countless lives since its introduction in the 1940s, and continues to be a vital part of public health initiatives around the world. Kendrick and Elderling's work has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which honored them with the Charles C. Shepard Science Award in 1989.
Also → "Institute Honors First Woman Doctor"
Advertisement8. Pioneering Microbiologist
Pearl Kendrick was a pioneering microbiologist who made significant contributions to the field of public health. During her career, she served a term as president of the Michigan branch of the American Society for Microbiology, a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science of microbiology and its application for the benefit of humanity. As president, she worked to promote the organization's mission of advancing the understanding of microbial life and its impact on the world. Her leadership and dedication to the field of microbiology helped to shape the future of public health.
Also → Virginia Apgar Inducted into Women's Hall of Fame
9. Doctor of Science degree earned by Pearl Kendrick in 1942
Pearl Kendrick achieved a remarkable feat in 1942 when she earned her Doctor of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University. This was a remarkable accomplishment, especially considering the fact that she was one of the first women to earn a doctoral degree from the prestigious university. Her degree was in bacteriology, and she went on to make significant contributions to the field, including the development of the first vaccine for whooping cough.
Also → Renowned Professor Leland Clark Dies at 83
10. A Pioneer Honored
Pearl Kendrick was a pioneering scientist who, along with her colleague and research partner Grace Elderling, was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in recognition of her groundbreaking work. Kendrick and Elderling worked together to develop the first vaccine for whooping cough, which saved countless lives and revolutionized the field of medicine. Their induction into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame is a testament to their incredible accomplishments and their lasting legacy.
