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Dr. Patricia Bath
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The late Dr. Patricia Bath is a distinguished Black woman in the science and medicine field. Early Days Dr. Bath, born in Harlem, NY, on Nov. 4, 1942, is recognized as the inventor of laser cataract surgery — her road to the groundbreaking feat dates back to her childhood. Young Bath’s early exposure to science and medicine was when she learned about Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s impact on lepers in the Congo, according to a biography shared by Changing the Face of Medicine. Dr. Bath’s father, Rupert, was New York’s first Black motorman. Her mother, Gladys, was a housewife and house cleaner who led Dr. Bath to become interested in science by buying her a chemistry set, Biography reports. Both parents would motivate her to pursue academics, which paved the way for her educational success at age 16. Education The Lemelson-MIT Program notes Dr. Bath performed well in biology and served as Charles Evans Hughes High School’s science paper editor, earning various awards. According to the...
Mar 6, 2024
This recognition is well overdue! Dr. Patricia Era Bath shook the world up when she invented one of the most important surgical tools in history while stepping further into her role as a groundbreaking ophthalmologist. Now, the late doctor will be honored by the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF), reports PR Newswire. She along with Marian Croak will be the first two Black women a part of the NIHF Inductee Class of 2022 on May 5. In 1986, Dr. Bath invented what is arguably one of the most important surgical tools in the history of ophthalmology — the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment. Her use of the Excimer Laser helped to create a device and new method that is responsible for the minimally invasive cataract surgery that we know today. “To know that my mother is part of the 2022 class of National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees is an unbelievable honor,” said her daughter Dr. Eraka Bath. “Her incredible path- and her contributions to the study of ophthalmology, cannot be...
Sep 22, 2021