Neva Abelson
American research physician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Neva Irene Martin Abelson (November 19, 1910 – September 26, 2000)[1] was a distinguished research physician who co-discovered the life-saving blood test for the Rh blood factor (with Louis K. Diamond).
Neva Abelson | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | November 19, 1910 Lamar, Missouri, US |
| Died | September 26, 2000 (aged 89) |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupations | |
| Known for | Rh blood factor test |
| Spouse | Philip Abelson |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Clinical pathology |
| Institutions | University of Pennsylvania |
The Philip and Neva Abelson Hall at Washington State University was named in her honor.[2]
Early career
Abelson graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. degree in chemistry.[3] She became one of the first women to graduate from Johns Hopkins University with a medical degree.[4] After medical school she became a pediatrician. She was the first pediatrician to ever be placed in charge of Johns Hopkins nurseries.[2]
Her research at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a professor of clinical pathology, involved blood groups, blood diseases of infants, and the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.[5][6][7][8][9][10] She published a book, Topics in Blood Banking, in 1974. She received the Emily Cooley Memorial Award from the American Association of Blood Banks.[11]
In 1989, she received the Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award for her contributions to developing the test for the Rh blood factor.[2]
She and her husband are responsible for contributing the largest fellowship endowment in Washington State University's College of Sciences.[2]
