Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey is celebrated for her critical role in safeguarding public health during her tenure at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1960, during her first month at the FDA, she refused to approve thalidomide for use in the United States due to insufficient safety data. Her steadfast decision prevented thousands of birth defects linked to the drug, which had been widely used in Europe. Her rigorous scientific approach and commitment to patient safety helped shape drug regulations, ensuring that medications undergo thorough testing for safety and efficacy before approval.
Dr. Kelsey’s contributions earned her the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service in 1962, making her the second woman to receive this honor. She is remembered as a trailblazer in pharmacology and a champion for patient safety.
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