Frances Oldham Kelsey – Pharmacologist and FDA Heroine:
Early Life and Education:
Frances Kathleen Oldham Kelsey was born on July 24, 1914, in Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in a family with a strong emphasis on education, Kelsey developed a keen interest in science. She earned her B.Sc. in 1934 and her M.Sc. in 1935, both from McGill University in Montreal. Her academic achievements earned her a scholarship to study at the University of Chicago, where she completed her Ph.D. in pharmacology in 1938.
Marriage and Family:
During her time in Chicago, Frances Oldham met and married Fremont Ellis Kelsey, a fellow student. The couple moved to Washington, D.C., where Frances began her career in pharmacology.
World War II and Military Service:
During World War II, Frances Kelsey served in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where she evaluated new drugs for the military. Her work involved assessing the safety and efficacy of drugs and developing protocols for testing. Her dedication and contributions during this period laid the groundwork for her later role in drug regulation.
FDA Career and Thalidomide Incident:
In 1960, Frances Kelsey joined the FDA as a medical officer. Her most notable contribution came in 1961 when she reviewed an application from the Richardson-Merrell pharmaceutical company for a drug called thalidomide, which was already being widely used in Europe. Despite pressure to expedite approval, Kelsey refused to grant it due to insufficient evidence regarding the drug’s safety, especially in pregnant women.
Her skepticism proved crucial. Soon after, reports emerged linking thalidomide to severe birth defects. Thanks to Kelsey’s diligence, the drug was never approved for use in the United States, saving countless lives and preventing a tragedy of the scale witnessed in other countries.
Awards and Recognition:
For her role in preventing the thalidomide disaster, Frances Kelsey received widespread acclaim. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy awarded her the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service, making her the second woman ever to receive this honor. She also received the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences.
Later Career and Legacy:
Frances Kelsey continued her distinguished career at the FDA, rising to become the director of the Office of Scientific Investigations. She retired in 2005 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to drug safety.
Frances Oldham Kelsey passed away on August 7, 2015, at the age of 101. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of the importance of rigorous drug testing and the impact that one individual, with integrity and commitment to public health, can have on safeguarding the well-being of society. Her story underscores the vital role of regulatory agencies in protecting public health and safety.
