American Decades

Important Events in Medicine and Health, 1950–1959

A human aorta transplant is performed, the hepititis A virus is isolated and photographed, and penicillin is synthesized.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) microbiologist Robert G. Benedict discovers a new type of streptomycin, the first antibiotic effective against tuberculosis.
The American Medical Association approves a resolution that white medical schools should admit African American students.
Americans spent $8.4 billion on medical care.
On January 1, the U.S. had 134 centers that specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
On January 26, a new antibiotic, Terramycin, is developed.
On March 7, blood tests for tuberculosis are introduced.
On April 14, stomach cancers are detected using radioactive pills that a patient swallowed.
On April 18, heart massage revives a patient pronounced dead during surgery.

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