Top 1% — Elite Historical Figure
Charles Drew
Surgery · Transfusion Medicine
Washington, United States
10 H-Index
281 Total Impact
Overview
Charles Drew was a surgery specialist who pioneered blood banking and blood plasma storage techniques during WWII. First African American to earn a Doctor of Science degree. Based in Washington, United States.
For Patients
- Pioneered 2 medical techniques including Large-scale blood plasma processing and storage and Blood bank organization systems
- Based at Howard University in Washington, United States
Biography
Charles Drew was an American surgeon and researcher who developed improved techniques for blood storage and organized the first large-scale blood banking programs during World War II. He directed the 'Blood for Britain' project and the American Red Cross blood bank, and was the first African American to earn a Doctor of Science degree.
Affiliations & Institutions
Research Impact
1 Publications
0 Total Citations
Published In
Columbia University (Dissertation)
Key Publications
Banked blood: a study in blood preservation
Areas of Expertise
Pioneering Techniques
Medical Specialties
Clinical Knowledge & Procedures
Legacy Timeline
The life and contributions of Charles Drew
1940
Directed Blood for Britain project
Organized the first mass blood collection and shipment program to supply British hospitals during WWII
1941
Directed American Red Cross blood bank
Became first director of the American Red Cross blood bank program
1941
Resigned over racial segregation of blood
Protested the Red Cross policy of segregating blood by race, calling it scientifically baseless
1942
Head of Surgery at Howard University
Became professor and head of the Department of Surgery at Howard University
Media Archive