Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Dame Jean Macnamara (1 April 1899 – 13 October 1968) was an Australian medical doctor and scientist, best known for her contributions to children’s health and welfare. A researcher who made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of polio. She was also an advocate for disability rights and worked to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Life and Career
Macnamara was born on 1 April 1899 in Victoria, Australia, and graduated from the University of Melbourne with a degree in medicine in 1925. She went on to specialize in pediatrics and worked as a medical officer at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
In the 1930s, Macnamara became interested in polio, which was a major public health concern at the time. She conducted research on the disease and was instrumental in the development of the Macnamara vaccine, which was used to treat and prevent polio in Australia and other parts of the world.
Macnamara was also a strong advocate for disability rights and worked to improve the lives of people with disabilities. She served as the president of the Australian Medical Women’s Federation and was a member of the National Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled.
Macnamara passed away on 13 October 1968, but her legacy lives on. Her research on polio has had a significant impact on the field of medicine, and her advocacy for disability rights has inspired generations of activists and advocates. The Jean Macnamara Trust, established in her honor, provides support for people with disabilities and their families.
Award and Legacy
Dame Jean Macnamara’s contributions to the fields of medicine and disability rights have had a lasting impact on Australia and the world. Her work on the Macnamara vaccine helped to prevent and treat polio, and her advocacy for disability rights helped to improve the lives of countless people with disabilities.
In recognition of her achievements, Macnamara was awarded many honors during her lifetime. In addition to being appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire and receiving the Florence Nightingale Medal, she also received the Robert Koch Medal from the Robert Koch Foundation in Germany.
Macnamara’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of researchers and advocates. Her work on the Macnamara vaccine laid the foundation for the development of the polio vaccine, which has been instrumental in eradicating polio in many parts of the world. Her advocacy for disability rights helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and paved the way for new policies and programs to support their inclusion in society.
The Jean Macnamara Trust, established in her honor, continues to provide support for people with disabilities and their families. The Trust funds research into the causes and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and provides scholarships to support the education and training of healthcare professionals working in the field of disability.
In conclusion, Dame Jean Macnamara’s contributions to medicine and disability rights have had a significant impact on the world. Her legacy as a researcher, advocate, and humanitarian continues to inspire new generations to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
On 1 April 2020, Google celebrated Dame Jean Macnamara’s 121st birthday with a doodle.