Jonas Salk

Jonas Salk

Jonas Salk in 1955

Birth date	October 28, 1914
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	June 23, 1995 (aged 80)
Place of death	La Jolla, California, U.S.
Nationality	American
Known for	First Polio vaccine
Awards	Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977)

Jonas Edward Salk (October 28, 1914 – June 23, 1995) was an esteemed American virologist and medical researcher who achieved worldwide recognition as the developer of the first effective polio vaccine, known as the Salk vaccine.<ref>Jeffrey,

 The Biography of Jonas Salk, 
  
 Riverhead Books, 
 2015, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-159463-272-6,</ref>

Early Life and Education

Jonas Salk was born in 1914 to Jewish immigrant parents in New York City. His early education and intellectual curiosity led him to the City College of New York where he pursued his undergraduate studies in science. He subsequently received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine in 1939, and completed his residency in internal medicine.<ref>

Dr. Jonas Salk: A Life(link). American Experience.

Accessed 2023-06-05.

</ref>

Medical Research and Achievements

In 1947, Salk was appointed the director of the Virus Research Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. It was here that he carried out his groundbreaking work on the poliomyelitis virus, resulting in the development of the first effective inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in 1955, known commonly as the Salk vaccine. His work has since been regarded as a major milestone in medical history, as polio was a significant public health problem at the time, particularly in post-World War II America.<ref>

The Man Who Beat Polio(link). Smithsonian Magazine.

Accessed 2023-06-05.

</ref>

Legacy and Impact

Jonas Salk's significant contribution to public health revolutionized medical science and brought about a dramatic reduction in the incidence of polio worldwide. His refusal to patent the vaccine facilitated its widespread use and made it more accessible to the global population.

Salk later founded the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, in 1963, a prominent research institute dedicated to biological research and discovery. He continued to conduct research and publish books, focusing on philosophical topics towards the end of his life.<ref>

The Legacy of Jonas Salk(link). Salk Institute.

Accessed 2023-06-05.

</ref>

He passed away in 1995, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of medical research and public health. His life and contributions continue to inspire medical researchers and health workers worldwide.

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References

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  Jonas Salk candid photo
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  Franklin D. Roosevelt with Basil O'Connor
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  Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh
• Jonas Salk with a child, photo by Karsh
  Jonas Salk with a child, photo by Karsh
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  March of Dimes poster featuring Jonas Salk
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  David Ben-Gurion with Jonas Salk in Jerusalem, 1959
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  Salk Institute for Biological Studies
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  Jonas Salk in 1988
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  Jonas Salk