Frances Oldham Kelsey

Frances Kathleen Oldham Kelsey, CM was a Canadian pharmacologist and physician. As a reviewer for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , she refused to authorize thalidomide for market because she had concerns about the drugs safety. Her concerns proved to be justified when it was shown that thalidomide caused serious birth defects. Kelseys career intersected with the passage of laws strengthening FDA oversight of pharmaceuticals. Kelsey was the second woman to be awarded the Presidents Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service by President John F. Kennedy.

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Source: Wikipedia