Leila Denmark

Leila Alice Denmark (February 1, 1898 – April 1, 2012) was an American pediatrician who was one of the co-developers of the pertussis vaccine. She was the world's oldest practicing pediatrician until her retirement at the age of 103. Dr. Denmark was a pioneering figure in the field of pediatrics and was known for her long and dedicated career in medicine.

Early Life and Education

Leila Denmark was born in Portal, Georgia, the third of twelve children. She attended Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia, where she earned a degree in biology. She then went on to attend the Medical College of Georgia, graduating in 1928 as the only woman in her class.

Medical Career

After completing her internship at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Denmark began her career in pediatrics. She was one of the first doctors to work at the Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children in Atlanta. In the early 1930s, she worked with researchers at Emory University to develop a vaccine for whooping cough (pertussis), which was a major cause of infant mortality at the time.

Dr. Denmark opened her own private practice in her home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, where she continued to see patients until her retirement in 2001. She was known for her practical and straightforward approach to child care, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and preventive care.

Contributions to Medicine

Dr. Denmark's most notable contribution to medicine was her work on the pertussis vaccine. Her research and clinical trials helped to significantly reduce the incidence of whooping cough in children. She also authored a book, Every Child Should Have a Chance, which outlined her philosophy on child-rearing and health care.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Denmark received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to medicine and her community. She was awarded the Fisher Award in 1935 for her work on the pertussis vaccine. In 2000, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Personal Life

Leila Denmark was married to John Eustace Denmark, and they had one daughter. She was a devout Christian and was actively involved in her church community. Dr. Denmark lived to the age of 114, making her one of the longest-lived physicians in history.

Legacy

Dr. Denmark's legacy lives on through her contributions to pediatric medicine and her influence on generations of medical professionals. Her work on the pertussis vaccine has saved countless lives, and her dedication to her patients serves as an inspiration to doctors everywhere.

Also see

• Pertussis vaccine
• Pediatrics
• Medical College of Georgia
• Grady Memorial Hospital