Virginia Apgar Research Paper

Virginia Apgar was a groundbreaking medical scientist, and exceptional professor, who not only changed the field of perinatology, but paved a path for women physicians and anesthesiology to become equal in the medical world. Virginia Apgar was born on June 7, 1909 in Westfield, New Jersey. She describes her family as a fast paced family that “never sat down”. Her mother was Helen May Apgar, and her father was Charles E. Apgar. Her father’s profession was an insurance executive, but dreamed of being an amateur inventor or astronomer. She was the youngest of three siblings. Virginia’s childhood was full of music and curiosity. As a young girl Virginia was hardworking, in her academics and multiple other activities (Apel, 2004). She was always outstanding in her science classes, but did poorly in home economics. By her high school years, she had already decided to pursue a medical career. Virginia early interest in science and …show more content…
There she majorted in zoology and as a student she had taken a number of odd-jobs to counter the effects of the Great Depression. She played on seven sports teams, reported for the college newspaper, acted in dramatic productions, and played violin in the orchestra. Even with the weight of all these activities her academics were still exceptional. She graduated in 1929 and attended College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University, with only nine women in her class. She then graduated in 1933 despite financial crunches. The surgical life she wanted was male-dominated, so she decides to enroll at the University of Wisconsin for a degree in the field of Anesthesiology. Later in 1949 Apgar became the first women full professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Virginia Apgar was so busy in her academics and passions that she never married, nor had children. (“Change the Face of Medicine”,