She Persisted: Virginia Apgar

Virginia Apgar went to medical school and became an anesthesiologist, creating the famous Apgar test to check the health of newborn babies. Despite discouragement from a professor, she persisted and is still celebrated today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2021
Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

When Virginia Apgar enrolled in medical school, there weren't many women who aspired to become doctors. However, she refused to let that deter her from achieving her goal. Despite facing discouragement from a professor who advised her against pursuing a career as a surgeon, she chose to become an anesthesiologist instead. Her determination and resilience led her to create the renowned Apgar test, a vital tool for assessing the health of newborn babies. This test is still widely used in hospitals worldwide today, making a significant impact on the care and well-being of new life.

In her captivating chapter book biography, bestselling author and physician Sayantani DasGupta takes readers on a journey through the remarkable life of Virginia Apgar. The book, complete with an introduction by Chelsea Clinton, delves into the details of Apgar's upbringing, education, and career. Through her experiences, readers gain insight into the challenges and obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, as well as her unwavering commitment to pursuing her dreams.

Apgar's journey to becoming an anesthesiologist began after she graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in biology. She faced resistance from medical institutions, which were hesitant to hire women. However, she refused to let these obstacles deter her and worked tirelessly to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.

One of Apgar's most significant contributions to medicine was the creation of the Apgar test. This test was developed to assess the health of newborn babies shortly after birth. It involves evaluating the baby's heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, and response to stimuli. The test quickly became an essential tool for obstetricians and pediatricians, and it has since been used to evaluate the health of millions of babies worldwide.

Apgar's legacy continues to inspire women and girls around the world to pursue careers in medicine. Her determination, resilience, and passion for her work serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one person can make in the field of healthcare.

In conclusion, Virginia Apgar's life is a remarkable testament to the power of determination and resilience. Her creation of the Apgar test has saved countless lives and has paved the way for women to pursue careers in medicine. Through her story, readers are reminded that obstacles and challenges can be overcome with hard work and perseverance, and that anything is possible with a passion for making a difference.

Weight: 82g
Dimension: 135 x 193 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780593115787