A Celebration of Women

is elated to pay Tribute and Celebrate the Life of another Amazing WOMAN of ACTION. This woman rose above many adversities to make her dream happen, a life in medicine and research, during the 1940’s and on….and, not only did she achieve, she changed our world for the better, through her research and study.

Our World needs more Women of this Calibre, please enjoy this Tribute to a wonderful mind, genuine soul and tenacious spirit.

 

WOMAN of ACTION

 

 

Rosalyn Sussman Yalow

Rosalyn Sussman Yalow was born in New York City, New York, on July 19, 1921. She attended Hunter College and the University of Illinois, receiving her Ph.D. in physics in 1945. Then, from 1945 to 1950, she taught at Hunter College. Yalow applied for entry in Purdue University’s graduate physics program, but she was rejected. Purdue said its reasons were, “She is from New York. She is Jewish. She is a woman.”

In 1947, Rosalyn joined the staff at the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital and served as the Mount Sinai School of Medicine’s research professor. Thirty years later, she received the Nobel Prize in medicine for the radio immunoassay procedure’s application to biomedical research.

Rosalyn and her partner were responsible for the use of iodine as a tracer for the diagnosis of thyroid disease, investigated serum protein distribution in the human body, discovered (in insulin-treated patients’ plasma) traces of insulin-binding antibodies, studied gastrin, the parathyroid hormone, the human growth hormone and corticotrophin, and made a procedure that enable today’s doctors to diagnose hormonal excesses or deficiences and the diseases that are associated with them. Many practical uses were discovered for RIA. It has been used to screen blood for hepatitis virus in blood banks, to determiune effective dosage levels of drugs and antibiotics, to detect foreign substances in the blood, and to test and correct hormone levels in infertile couples.

She retired in 1991 and now spends her time calling for more science education, better child care, and various other causes.

Yalow has received many awards throughout her career. In 1976, she became the first woman to be awarded the Albert Lasker Prize for Basic Medical Research. She shared the Nobel Proze in Physiology or Medicine in 1977 for her RIA work. And in 1988, she was awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest science award.

 

Biography: http://chemeducator.org/bibs/0007002/720121gk.htm

“More than a biography, Straus’ book also deals with gender bias, anti-Semitism, research and patient care in hospitals, the public’s unwarranted fear of radioactivity, microwave ovens, basement radon, and other scientific and societal issues. He details the life and scientific career of an outspoken, aggressive, intensively competitive, critical, and complex woman who has become a role model for female scientists although perhaps not in personal relationships. His book should not only appeal to practicing scientists and historians of science but should also serve as a cautionary tale about the price to be paid by women who wish to pursue a career in science.”

 

 

A Celebration of Women

sends our blessings and gratitude to this perseverent Woman of Action.

May many young Women follow in your footsteps, always.

 

Brava Rosalyn !