Charles Drew
Charles Drew was an African American surgeon who pioneered methods of storing blood plasma for transfusion and organized the first large-scale blood bank in the United States.
Doctor
June 3, 1904
Gemini
April 01, 1950
45
Charles Richard Drew, an African-American surgeon and medical researcher, is widely known as the “Father of the Blood Bank.” He revolutionized the field of blood transfusion by pioneering a method for the long-term storage of blood plasma. Drew’s groundbreaking work led to the establishment of the first large-scale blood bank in the United States. In addition to his contributions to blood transfusion, Drew trained numerous black physicians at Howard University and served as a professor of surgery. He was also the first African-American appointed as an examiner for the American Board of Surgery.
Drew’s notable achievements include:
1. Serving as a surgeon during World War II and significantly contributing to battlefield medicine.
2. Transforming the field of blood transfusions by developing large-scale blood banks.
3. Advocating for physical fitness and maintaining an active lifestyle as an avid athlete.
4. Pioneering the preservation of life-saving blood plasma.
5. Mentoring and training a generation of black physicians at Howard University.
Charles Richard Drew’s dedication to medical research, education, and his innovations in blood transfusion have left a lasting impact on the medical community.
