Scott, Roland B.
1909-2002 · Contribution: 1948-2002
Pediatrician and sickle cell researcher
Pioneering pediatric research on sickle cell disease; authored a landmark 1948 study on red-cell sickling in newborns that led toward routine newborn screening; 250+ publications on sickle cell, allergy, and child development

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Quick facts
- Born
- 1909, Houston, Texas
- Active since
- 1939
- Category
- Science & Medicine
- Best known for
- Pioneering pediatric research on sickle cell disease
Impact on the world
Scott devoted his career to a disease long neglected because it primarily affected Black patients, building the first U.S. research center for it and driving the federal response.
Sources
- Howard University (The Dig)
1 more sources and references are available to members.
Related visionaries
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Francis-McBarnette, Yvette Fay
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Wethers, Doris L.
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Benjamin, Regina
1956-present
Family medicine and public health; as Surgeon General, championed prevention, healthy/fit-nation initiatives, breastfeeding support, and health equity for underserved communities