Why is Charles drew influential
Charles Drew was influential for several reasons:
1. Medical innovations: Charles Drew made significant contributions to the fields of blood transfusion and blood banking. During World War II, he developed techniques for collecting, processing, and storing blood plasma. This allowed blood transfusions to be more efficiently carried out, saving countless lives during the war and beyond.
2. Blood bank establishment: Drew was instrumental in setting up the first blood bank in the United States and the American Red Cross Blood Bank. His work on blood preservation and banking laid the foundation for modern blood banks, which continue to benefit millions of people around the world who require blood transfusions.
3. Breaking racial barriers: Charles Drew was the first African American to receive a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University. He became an influential and respected physician, surgeon, and researcher at a time when African Americans faced significant discrimination in the United States. Despite encountering many racial barriers in his career, Drew continued to excel in his field, inspiring future generations of African American medical professionals.
4. Education and mentorship: As a professor and director of the Medical School at Howard University, Drew mentored and trained a large number of African American physicians and surgeons. He helped advance the educational opportunities for African Americans in the medical field and promoted equal opportunity for all.
In conclusion, Charles Drew was influential for his groundbreaking work in blood transfusion and blood banking, his role in establishing blood banks in the U.S., his perseverance and ability to break racial barriers, and his dedication to education and mentorship for future generations of medical professionals.