How one scientist averted a national health crisis - Andrea Tone
- 1,863,589 Views
- 4,275 Questions Answered
- TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In 1960, Frances Kelsey was one of the Food and Drug Administration’s newest recruits. Before the year was out, she would begin a fight that would save thousands of lives — though no one knew it at the time. Andrea Tone explains how Kelsey was able to prevent a massive national public health tragedy by privileging facts over opinions, and patience over shortcuts.
Create and share a new lesson based on this one.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
With four degrees, including a PhD and an MD, Frances Kelsey was one of the most educated medical scientists of her time. As a woman, her education also made her extremely rare. In 1950, when Frances Kelsey earned her medical degree, fewer than 5% of physicians were women. In 2010, only 32% of people with medical degrees are women.
To learn more about Frances Oldham Kelsey, click here.
This article from the New York Times provides a detailed look into Kelsey’s accomplishments and legacy.
Check out this piece from the Smithsonian, which describes Kelsey’s work at the FDA.
To learn more about Frances Oldham Kelsey, click here.
This article from the New York Times provides a detailed look into Kelsey’s accomplishments and legacy.
Check out this piece from the Smithsonian, which describes Kelsey’s work at the FDA.

TED-Ed
Lesson Creator
New York, NY
Create and share a new lesson based on this one.
More from The World's People and Places
565,341 Views
337,370 Views
Social Studies
Why did the British Empire burn, sink, and hide these documents?
Lesson duration 04:59
273,649 Views
279,957 Views