Kicking off SEASON 2!!! Laura tells Stefania the story of DR. FRANCES KELSEY, a Canadian-American pharmacologist and physician who prevented thousands of disabilities and deaths by refusing to authorize a commonly used drug for market because she had concerns about the lack of evidence regarding its safety. Her work changed drug screening laws world wide to focus on ensuring drug safety and efficacy before release to market. Born: July 24, 1914, Cobble Hill, BC, Canada; Died: August 7, 2015, London, Ontario, Canada.

 

EPISODE SOURCES:

Frances Oldham Kelsey | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Kelsey leaves behind a trailblazing legacy – Saanich News

The Public’s Quiet Savior From Harmful Medicines - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Frances Kelsey: From Cobble Hill tomboy to thalidomide hero | Times Colonist