Alice Stewart: A Trailblazing Epidemiologist Uncovering the Dangers of Radiation

Introduction

Alice Mary Stewart, born on October 4, 1906, and passed on June 23, 2002, was a remarkable British physician and epidemiologist who revolutionized our understanding of the effects of radiation on health.

Early Career and World War II

Stewart's career began in 1935 when she became a consultant. By the outbreak of the Second World War, she was a consultant physician at the prestigious Royal Free and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson hospitals in London.

Pioneering Research on Radiation's Effects on Pregnancy

During the war, Stewart's focus shifted to the effects of X-rays on pregnant women. Her groundbreaking research, published in 1956, demonstrated a strong link between prenatal X-rays and an increased risk of childhood leukemia. This discovery had a profound impact on medical practices and led to significant changes in the use of radiation during pregnancy.

Recognition and Legacy

Stewart's pioneering work, unfortunately, faced resistance from the scientific mainstream at the time. However, her determination and unwavering commitment to evidence-based medicine ultimately paved the way for a deeper understanding of radiation's harmful effects.

A Nobel Prize-Worthy Pioneer

Despite the lack of recognition accorded to her during her lifetime, Stewart remains a highly respected figure in the field of epidemiology. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists to question dogma and pursue evidence-based solutions to improve public health.