Dr. Virginia Apgar was an American physician known for her method of assessing newborn viability called the “Apgar score.” This practice was created in the 1950s, and during this time, it helped reduce infant mortality. Throughout her life, she always had a strong interest in math and science, where she started her medical training at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. Apgar decided to pursue anesthesiology and transformed the department at Presbyterian Hospital (now New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center) with her strong character and will to help others. She was honored with a commemorative U.S. postage stamp and inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Dr. Virginia Apgar, PhD
Physician