By Elaryie. Conversation Between Patricia Bath, MD and Eve Higginbotham, MD, Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Museum of Vision & Ophthalmic Heritage, October 23, 2011. Patricia Bath's timeline included receiving the first medical patent for a medical device by an African-American woman. 1967 Patricia travels to Yugoslavia and observes inadequate eye care for the poor 1959 Patricia was selected for the prestigious National Science Foundation summer program. The Doctor With An Eye For Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath is a delightful rhyming picture book about Patricia growing up during the Civil Rights movement and her perseverance in becoming an eye doctor and inventor. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she perseveredbrightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness! Patricia Bath (born November 4, 1942) is an American doctor and inventor. 2021, it was announced that she would be one of the first two black women (along with Marian Croak) to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath is the second book in an educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists! Big Dreams Bloom is featuring Patricia Era Bath in this week's virtual HERstory classroom. Patricia Era Bath (November 4, 1942 - May 30, 2019) was an American ophthalmologist, inventor, humanitarian, and academic. But I felt it was more important to focus on the prize.. Bath graduated with honors from Howard in 1968, and accepted an internship at Harlem Hospital shortly afterward. In Africa, the American Ins*ute for the Prevention of Blindness provided computers and other digital resources for visually impaired students, specifically at the Mwereni School for the Blind in Tanzania and St. Oda School for the Visually Impaired in Kenya. In 1973, Patricia Bath became the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology. En vous inscrivant la newsletter, vous consentez la rception de contenus de notre part. She studied stress, nutrition, and cancer. With the support of Dr. Bradley Straatsma, who had given Bath her first academic appointment and lauded her accomplishments at UCLA, she became the first woman chair of an ophthalmology residency program in 1983 at Charles R. Drew. She resigned her position as chair of ophthalmology and followed her research pursuits as visiting professor at centers of excellence in France, England and Germany. The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath. The following year, she also began pursuing a fellowship in ophthalmology at Columbia University. She invented an improved device for laser cataract surgery. Her mother piqued the young girls interest in science by buying her a chemistry set. Sign up to get PRNs top stories and curated news delivered to your inbox weekly! Patricia Bath's Timeline. ", 2012: Tribeca Film Festival Disruptive Innovation Award, 2013: *ociation of Black Women Physicians Lifetime Achievement Award for Ophthalmology Contributions, 2014: Alpha Kappa Alpha Presidential Award for Health and medical Sciences, 2014: Howard University Charter Day Award for Distinguished Achievement in Ophthalmology and Medicine, 2017: Medscape one of 12 "Women Physicians who Changed the Course of American Medicine", 2017: Hunter College Hall of Fame induction, 2018: New York Academy of Medicine John Stearns Medal for Distinguished Contributions in Clinical Practice, for invention of laserphaco cataract surgery, 2018: Alliance for Aging research: Silver Innovator Award for contributions and research towards blindness prevention. While working fulltime at UCLA Jules Stein, and as a county employee, Bath also taught at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, a private historically Black graduate school. While a fellow, she was recruited by both the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Ins*ute and Charles R. Drew University to co-found an ophthalmology residency program at Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital. Patricia E. Bath (1942-2019) Patricia Bath discovered and invented a new device and technique for cataract surgery known as laserphaco. It was then she had decided to look further for the best laboratories in the world, to support her plans for innovation in the world of ophthalmology. Dr. Patricia Bath as a famous African American female doctor. In the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s assassination in 1968, Bath volunteered to provide medical services and worked with the Poor Peoples Campaign in Resurrection City, a protest encampment on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Two years later, she became the first female faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute. In 2012, Patricia Bath received a "Disruptive Innovation Award" from the Tribeca Film Festival for her technologies and procedures, which made moving images on the screen visible for more people than ever before. Check trademark application status and view all documents associated with an application/registration. She worked as a surgeon at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute and became the president of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. Throughout her childhood, Bath was often told by her parents to "never settle for less than best" and had been encouraged by their support of her education. In April 2019, Bath testified in a hearing called the "Trailblazers and Lost Einsteins: Women Inventors and the Future of American Innovation" at the Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. Bath would routinely email them whenever she learned of a safety recall or health-related issue to ensure they were informed and safe. She encountered so many barriers. Nov 4, 1942. In 2000, she was granted a patent for a method for using pulsed ultrasound to remove cataracts, and in 2003 a patent for combining laser and ultrasound to remove cataracts. She organized and led Howard University medical students in providing volunteer health care services to the Poor People's Campaign in Resurrection City in the summer of 1968. In 1986, Bath elected to take a sabbatical from clinical and administrative responsibilities and concentrate on research. At Howard, she was awarded a Children's Bureau National Government Fellowship Award to do research in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in the summer of 1967, where her research focused on pediatric surgery. Bath was also recognized for her philanthropic work in the field of ophthalmology by President Barack Obama. At UCLA, she founded the Ophthalmic Assistant Training Program (OATP) in 1978. In 1986, she invented the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment, one of the most important surgical tools in the history of ophthalmology, where she used the Excimer Laser to develop a device and method for minimally invasive cataract surgery. American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. Based on her research and achievements with keratoprosthesis, Bath was chosen to lead the first national keratoprosthesis study in 1983. U.S. patent 5919186, "Laser apparatus for surgery of cataractous lenses", issued July 6, 1999. Your little girl will truly be inspired by the accomplishments of this powerful female pioneer & leader. She was 76 years old. There is only so much content that could have been presented in the story, so Mosca includes amazingly rich, additional content at the back of the book, including fun facts and tidbits from her interviews with Dr. Bath, a timeline of Dr. Baths accomplishments, a more detailed biography, and a bibliography of wonderful resources for you and your young reader to further explore the amazing life of Dr. Patricia Bath! Ben Gabbe / Getty Images for TIME file. Patsy, as Baths family affectionately called her, thrived in STEM courses, and she was continually inspired by those around her. List of African-American inventors and scientists, Laserphaco Bath's website containing information relevant to the technique, Interview by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2011, American Ins*ute for the Prevention of Blindness :a nonprofit organization founded by Bath. In 1993, Bath retired from her position at the UCLA Medical Center and became an honorary member of its medical staff. In 1986, Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, improving treatment for cataract patients. Teen-Ager's Study Links Cancer With a Deficiency in Nutrition, New York Times, September 3, 1960. She received her bachelor's degree from . As a result, Bath worked hard on her intellectual pursuits and, at the age of 16, became one of only a few students to attend a cancer research workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation. (The New York Times/Via: Herbert S. Sonnenfeld), On the morning of August 15, 1959, the New York Age newspaper ran an article about a remarkable 16-year-old high school student from Harlem who displays unusual interest in scientific research., A girl of 16, full of charm and life, on summer vacation goes swimming, plays volleyball, picnics with her friends," wrote Ralph O. Gottlob, the articles author, unless she's Patricia Era Bath of 2031 Seventh Avenue, Manhattan.. With her Laserphaco Probe, Bath was able to help restore the sight of individuals who had been blind for more than 30 years. Patricia Era Bath (November 4, 1942 - May 30, 2019) was an American ophthalmologist and humanitarian. Bath was proud to be on the Columbia team that performed the first eye surgery at Harlem Hospital in November 1969. Her research led to her development of a community ophthalmology system, which increased the amount of eye care given to those who were unable to afford treatment. She was also the holder of fivepatents. By the time she had reached high school, Bath was already a National Science Foundation scholar. Special thanks to Dr. Eraka Bath, daughter of Dr. Patricia Bath. For education . But her amazing story doesnt start or end there! Bath also found that African American people had eight times higher prevalence of glaucoma as a cause of blindness. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, youll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Dr. Bath herself! As part of author Julia Finley Moscas Amazing Scientist series, she worked closely with Dr. Bath, having conducted interviews and receiving commentary from Dr. Bath throughout the creation of the book. Four years later, she received her medical degree from Howard University Medical School in Washington, D.C. She completed her training at New York University School of Medicine as the first African American resident in ophthalmology. Patricia Bath is featured in Firsts, a multimedia project, as the first person to invent and demonstrate groundbreaking eye surgery. It performed all steps of cataract removal: making the incision, destroying the lens and vacuuming out the fractured pieces. The program continues today as the KPRO and thousands of patients have had their eyesight restored with this innovative technology. In 1993, Bath retired from UCLA Medical Center and was appointed to the honorary medical staff. By 1983, Bath had helped create the Ophthalmology Residency Training program at UCLA-Drew, which she also chairedbecoming, in addition to her other firsts, the first woman in the nation to hold such a position. U.S. patent 4744360, "Apparatus for ablating and removing cataract lenses", issued May 17, 1988, U.S. patent 5843071, "Method and apparatus for ablating and removing cataract lenses" issued December 1, 1998. In 1981, Bath began working on her most well-known invention: the Laserphaco Probe (1986). Find upcoming programs related to IP policy and international affairs. Next, Bath attended Howard Universitys College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she was mentored by the acting Chief of Ophthalmology, Dr. Lois A. Each day this month, a profile will be featured in observance of Black History Month. She served as a professor of ophthalmology at Howard Universitys School of Medicine and as a professor oftelemedicineand ophthalmology atSt. Georges University ophthalmology training program. Bath's father, Rupert, was a Trinidadian immigrant and the first black motorman in the New York City subway system. Inspired by Albert Schweitzer's work in medicine, Bath applied for and won a National Science Foundation Scholarship while attending high school; this led her to a research project at Yeshiva University and Harlem Hospital Center studying connections between cancer, nutrition, and stress. Bath first had the idea for this type of device in 1981, but did not apply for a patent until several years later. As a result, Bath worked hard on her intellectual pursuits and, at the age of 16, became one of only a few students to attend a cancer research workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Dr. Bath (1942-2019) was a trailblazing physician who has been nominated 11 times to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, an entity that recognizes the enduring legacies of . Dr. Patricia Bath transformed cataract surgery and fought to eradicate preventable blindness. In 1976, Bath co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, which established that "eyesight is a basic human right." Undeterred, Bath stayed the course and continued her academic pursuits. The Life of Genie. But armed with her insatiable curiosity and persistence, her mother continued and, as always, set her sights on the prize. Telltale's The Walking Dead Timeline. Patricia Bath was the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first African American female doctor to receive a medical patent. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. While at UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute, she established the Keratoprosthesis Program to provide advanced surgical treatment for blind patients. At both ins*utions, Bath rose to the rank of *ociate professor. Service to the underserved was a natural evolution of my life from my Harlem roots, as Bath put it. While at UCLA Jules Stein Eye Ins*ute, Bath established the Keratoprosthesis Program to provide advanced surgical treatment for blind patients. Mar 13, 1968, Graduated from Howard University Medical College with M.D. She resigned her position as chair of ophthalmology and followed her research pursuits as visiting professor at centers of excellence in France, England and Germany. She studied stress, nutrition, and . In 1976, she co-founded the non-profit American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, dedicated to the prevention of blindness through education, community service, and eye care. Born in 1942, Patricia Bath grew up in Harlem, New York City, pictured here in 1943. Bath coined the term "Laser phaco" for the process, short for laser PHotoAblative Cataract surgery, and developed the laser phaco probe, a medical device that improves on the use of lasers to remove cataracts, and "for ablating and removing cataract lenses". The New York Times/Via: Herbert S. Sonnenfeld, Published on: In 1973, Bath became the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology. As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. Science and STEAM Team Perfect for Black History Month! Her continued advocacy for education and access to health care led Bath to travel around the world, and she found friends and connections in Great Britain, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Her illustrious career included being awarded five U.S. patents. Bath was born in Harlem, New York to Rupert Bath a Trinidadian immigrant and Gladys Rupert, a domestic worker. Search recorded assignment and record ownership changes, How one woman's perseverance transformed office supplies of the 20th century and propelled her into the business elite, Documenting the history of Black innovation one name at a time. After graduating from high school in only two years, Bath headed to Hunter College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 1964. , , , , , , Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning), Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy, Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American, American Institute for Prevention of Blindness. Dr. Patricia Bath's timeline . Bath lectured internationally and aut*d over 100 papers. The publicity surrounding her discoveries earned Bath theMademoisellemagazine's Merit Award in 1960. As a female African American ophthalmologist and inventor born and raised in mid-20th-century Harlem, during the era of segregation, Bath faced obstacles that would have deterred and defeated many others. At UCLA, she founded the Ophthalmic *istant Training Program (OATP) in 1978. The **ination of Martin Luther King Jr., in 1968, caused Bath to dedicate herself to achieving one of the dreams of King, namely the empowerment of people through the Poor People's Campaign. That same year, she was named a "Howard University Pioneer in Academic Medicine.". Baths pioneering work and research continued on the West Coast when she was selected to be the first female faculty member at UCLAs School of Medicines Jules Stein Eye Institute. In England, she served as visiting professor with Professor Emmony at the Loughborough Ins*ute of Technology. She was an early pioneer of laser cataract surgery. But she was Patricia Bath, the daughter of Gladys and Rupert Bath, and she clung tenaciously to her dream. And by her example of grit and perseverance, Bath continues to inspire other women inventors, scientists, and physicians. Several books for young people have been published about her life and work in science, including "Patricias Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight" by Michelle Lord; "Patricia Bath and Laser Surgery" by Ellen Labrecqua, and "The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath" by Julia Finley Mosca, which was cited by both the National Science Teachers *ociation and the Chicago Public Library's list of best children's books of the year. So next door to the ironworker and domestic worker would be a physician, accountant, or lawyer. Sights on the prize Dr. Patricia Bath, a visionary physician, scientist, inventor, and 2022 National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee, overcame barriers of race, gender, and socioeconomic status with grit and persistence. Ophthalmologist, inventor and humanitarian. We may have questions about your feedback, please provide your email address. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she perseveredbrightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness! Her story is presented in a biographical style that is easily digestible for young readers. The device which quickly and nearly painlessly dissolves the cataract with a laser, irrigates and cleans the eye and permits the easy insertion of a new lens is used internationally to treat the disease. She then attended Howard University to pursue a medical degree.She graduated from Howard's University in 1968. 1942 (November 4) Patricia Bath was born. She would later credit the fellowship as the catalyst for the many discoveries, accolades, and firsts that followed: first African American woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology at New York University, first female faculty member of the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute, first female African American doctor to patent a medical device, inventor of Laserphaco cataract surgery, and co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. She moved to California the following year to work as an assistant professor of surgery at both Charles R. Drew University and the University of California, Los Angeles. The Doctor with an Eye for an Eye: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath made the National Teacher's Science Association's list of top STEM books for 2017! The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath is the second book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists! After graduating from high school in only two years, Bath headed to Hunter College, where she earned a bachelors degree in 1964. Instead, she was placed near the female secretaries. 4,744,360 for an apparatus for ablating and removing cataract lenses, becoming the first African American woman to receive a patent for a medical device. Patricia Bath. Her method has helped eye surgeons restore or improve vision for millions of patients worldwide. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, youll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Dr. Bath herself! She also holds patents in Japan, Canada and Europe. Bath, Patricia, Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Trailblazers and Lost Einsteins: Women Inventors and the Future of American Innovation, April 3, 2019, www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Bath%20Testimony.pdf. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. Harnessing laser technology, the device created a less painful and more precise treatment of cataracts. During her internship, she observed large proportions of blind patients at Harlem Hospital in comparison to patients at the Columbia University Eye Clinic. 106 views. Many of her trips were humanitarian in nature, and her daughter frequently joined her. Period: Nov 4, 1942 to May 30, 2019. Patricia Bath, Who Took On Blindness and Earned a Patent, Dies, New York Times, June 4, 2019. Bath was the first African-American to serve as a resident in ophthalmology at New York University. In this summer program, led by Rabbi Moses D. Tendler, Bath had studied the effects of streptomycin residue on bacteria. She was also the first African-American woman to serve on staff as a surgeon at the UCLA Medical Center. She also became the first woman member of the Jules Stein Eye Institute, first woman to lead a post-graduate training program in . However, it was also the 1960s, a time of social unrest and uncertainty as the nation confronted racial inequalities and injustices. After that, she advocated for telemedicine, the use of electronic communication to provide medical services to remote areas where health care is limited. "Patricia Bath," National Inventors Hall of Fame, www.invent.org/inductees/patricia-bath. These critical months overseas gave her the freedom to conduct research into laser cataract surgery without the administrative responsibilities of teaching or providing clinical and patient care.