Photo of Hattie Elizabeth Alexander

Hattie Elizabeth Alexander

1901 - 1968
Pediatrics, Microbiology; Educator
USA USA

Personal Information

Born: 1901

Died: 1968

Country of Birth: USA

Nationality: USA

Ethnicity: White

Education

Goucher College BA Bacteriology & Physiology 1923; Johns Hopkins Medical School MD 1930

Professional Life

Field of Study: Pediatrics, Microbiology; Educator

Institution/Corporation: Columbia-Presbytarian Hospital

Degrees & Memberships: Honorary Degree: Goucher College; Wheaton College; Member: American Pediatric Society

Awards & Achievements

Awards: 1942, E. Mead Johnson Award, American Academy of Pediatrics; 1956, Elizabeth Blackwell Award, NY Infirmary; 1961, Oscar B. Hunter Memorial Award, American Therapuetics Society; 1963, Babies Hospital Distinguished Service Award

Achievements: 1939, developed an anti-influenzal serum that reduced the mortality rate to 20% for fatal meningitis in children & infants; pioneered the study of bacterial mutations & resistance to antibiotics; 1964, 1st woman to head a national medical association as president of the American Pediatric Society; 1961, 1st woman recipient of the Oscar B. Hunter Memorial Award

1939, developed a serum that decreased infant mortality from meningitis to approximately 25% as opposed to the existing 100%

1964, 1st female to head a national medical association (President of American Pediatrics Society)

1st female recipient of the Oscar B. Hunter Award

Developed the 1st effective remedy for Haemophilus influenzae infection