DOROTHY HANSINE ANDERSEN

BIRTH AND DEATH

Birth: 5/15/1901     Death: 3/3/1963

OCCUPATION

scientist

BIOGRAPHY SUMMARY

Dorothy Hansine Andersen was the American physician and researcher who first identified and named cystic fibrosis. During her almost thirty year tenure at Babies Hospital of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Andersen not only identified CF and its inheritance through a recessive gene, she was also at the forefront of developing diagnostic tests and life-extending treatments for the disease. Andersen was also active in researching other diseases that are diagnosed in children. She was the first to describe Glycogen storage disease type IV, which, in recognition of her contributions, became known as Andersen's Disease. Her research on heart malformations informed the development of open heart surgery and the training of new surgeons.

NOTABLE WORK

WHY THEY MATTER

Dorothy Hansine Andersen was intellectually unique and groundbreaking for her pioneering work in identifying and naming cystic fibrosis, as well as for her contributions to developing diagnostic tests and treatments for the disease. Additionally, her research on other pediatric diseases, such as Glycogen storage disease type IV, and heart malformations, which informed the development of open-heart surgery, showcased her multidisciplinary approach and lasting impact on the field of medicine. Andersen's legacy extends beyond her initial discoveries, as evidenced by Andersen's Disease being named in recognition of her significant contributions.

FAMOUS QUOTE

WIKIPEDIA PAGE

Wikipedia Page