Jonas Salk
A Leader in Medicine
By:Conrad Davis
Jonas Salk
Upbringing
&
Life
- Born in New York, October 28, 1914
- Son of Jewish immigrants with little formal education
- Entered a High School for talented students
- Known to be a perfectionist and read everything he could
- Attended City College of New York
- Graduated with a Bachelors in Chemistry
- Mother convinced him to pursue medicine instead of the law
- Desired not to practice medicine, but to become a researcher.
Achievements
In Detail
- Most well known for his discovery of the polio vaccine.
- Used the "killed virus" instead of weaker strains
- Actually first started testing his vaccine in 1952 and had over a million trials before put being announced as safe
- Research enter even went into debt in order to finish the project
After the Vaccine
- Salk refused to patent the vaccine, "Who owns this patent?", Salk replied, "Well, the people I would say. There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?"
- Desired to return to his private life but ended up becoming world famous
- He received a presidential citation, four honorary degrees, 6 foreign decorations, and thousands of letters
- Later in 1963, he opened the Salk Institute for biological sciences in San Diego
Timeline
Salk passes away
Polio vaccine released
1914
1963
1955
1995
Salk Institute Opens
Born in New York
Salk as a Leader
Public Servant
As a leader in medicine, Salk’s selfless nature and dedication helped completely change human history. His vaccine is listed as one of the biggest advances in medical history. After his discovery, he dedicated his time and resources to the continued pursuit of improving the human condition. His legacy continues on in the Salk institute in San Diego.