Kelsey, Frances O. (1914–)
Kelsey, Frances O. (1914–)
Canadian-born physician. Name variations: Frances Oldham Kelsey. Born Frances Kathleen Oldham, July 14, 1914; grew up in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada; dau. of Katherine and Frank Oldham; McGill University, BS, 1934, MA, 1935; University of Chicago, PhD, 1938; m. Fremont Ellis Kelsey (pharmacologist), 1943; children: 2 daughters.
Joined the Food and Drug Administration (1960) and assigned to review drug applications; citing the failure of the William S. Merrell Co. to prove the safety of the drug thalidomide, turned down Merrell's application to sell the drug in US (Nov 10, 1960); rejected 2 further attempts by Merrell to receive permission to sell thalidomide, single handedly keeping the drug from entering American market; after thalidomide's use in Europe was found to cause severe birth deformations, received Distinguished Federal Civilian Service Medal from President John F. Kennedy (Aug 7, 1962); continued work for FDA for more than 4 decades. Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame at Seneca Falls (2000).