Abigail Medford
Biography
If you could meet any physician or scientist throughout history, who would you want to meet and why? This was a somewhat challenging question because medicine and our world would not be where it is today without the efforts of countless scientists and physicians. With all the advancements of modern society, I think basic public health measures can be easily overlooked. John Snow was a physician in the 19th century that investigated cholera outbreaks in London. Before the development of the microscope, Snow found the root of the outbreak to be a contaminated water supply. Thus, he was deemed the “father of modern epidemiology” for his crucial role in highlighting the importance of a clean water supply. During my medical mission trips to Honduras, I witnessed the devastating effects a contaminated, unsafe water source can have on the health and nourishment of the surrounding population. Something as basic as clean water is not taken for granted over there, and I am thankful for the clean water I have access to here in the United States.