The AFU and Urban Legend Archive
Medical
 dr kelsey thalidomide




From: linden@positive.eng.sun.com (Peter van der Linden)
Newsgroups: alt.folklore.urban
Subject: The Medal from the President
Date: 11 Nov 1994 04:42:01 GMT

Trelford Pinkerton wrote:
> The plucky FDA inspector who stood her ground on demanding evidence
> of the safety of thalidomide ended up getting a Congressional Medal of Honor.

Well, Trelford was wrong in the details of course. Though correct overall.

The FDA Inspector in question was Dr Frances Kelsey. She was given the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service in 1962. This is a gold medal, and she received from the hands of President Kennedy himself.

Kelsey is still working for the FDA. She holds the position of Director of the division of scientific investigation, and is responsible for monitoring research done by clinical investigators.

Source: "The Story of Thalidomide" 

        by the Insight Team of The Sunday Times of London
        Viking Press, NY 1979.
        ISBN 0-670-68114-8



Any proceeds (net proceeds from merchandise sales) from TAFKAC solely benefit The Chuck Reed Fund.

Copyright Information

http://tafkac.org/