Carlos Juan Finlay

Carlos' Theory

Obstacles Carlos overcame

• In 1881 Carlos theorized that the mosquitoes caused Yellow Fever by biting their victims.
• The theory was then proven right in 1900 by the Walter Reed Commission

• During school he developed severe chorea which left him with a speech impediment—a lisp—that he never lost. In 1851, having returned home to Cuba, he nearly died of typhoid fever.
• Went to school at the age of 11 in France. But he was sent back to Cuba because of Cholera

Education of Carlos J. FInlay

• University of Havana would not let Carlos in.
• Went to Jefferson Medical College at the age of 22.
• In the year of 1857 he went back to Havana and practiced ophthalmology ( eye surgery )
• In 1860 tot 1861 Carlos studied at Paris.
• In 1865 Carlos married Adela Shine from the island of Trinidad.

Carlos' Early Life

Carlos' work

• Carlos Juan Finlay was born in Camguey Cuba on December 3, 1833.
• Went to school at the age of 11 in France. 2 yrs passed at school and Carlos was sent back to Cuba because of Cholera
• Another 2 years passed and Carlos resumed his education the age of.

• Carlo's work helped William C. Gorgas control the spread of mosquitoes in Panama.
• More than 10% of the workers died of malaria or yellow fever.

What we learned

What we learned from Carlos is that no matter what disease or problem you have don't let it stop you from what you want to become.

Quotes By Carlos

Carlos' Nominations

Carlos was part of Havana's Royal Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Science. He studied deadly sicknesses, diseases or physics like leprosy, cholera, gravity and plant diseases. However his main interest was yellow fever. He was then nominated 7 times for Physiology or Medicine.

"The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same."~Carlos Juan Finlay

"Throughout its history, the international Olympic Committee has struggled to spread its ideal of fraternity, friendship, peace and universal understanding."~Carlos Juan Finlay

Carlo's Death

Legacy of Carlos

• In 1928, President Gerardo Machado established the National Order of Merit Carlos J. Finlay, rewarding contributions to healthcare and medicine. It is the highest scientific con decoration awarded by the Cuban Council of State. The order was discontinued between 1959 and 1981.
• On the wall of the Findlay Medical History Museum in Havana, the inscription states, "History Museum of the Medical Sciences ' Carlos J. Finlay', created by the Revolutionary Government in eternal homage to the men who contributed to the advance of the sciences in Cuba. National Commission of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Cuba. Havana, 13 June 1962."

• Carlos J. Finlay died on August 20, 1915.
• He died by stroke caused by severe brain seizures.
• He was honored in December 3, 2013 on Google for his 180th anniversary of his birth

Carlos Juan Finlay

A presentation made by: Carlos Vargas and Aaron Flores