Mary Ellen Avery

Mary Ellen Avery was a renowned American pediatrician and researcher who made groundbreaking contributions to neonatal medicine. She is best known for discovering that respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies was caused by a lack of surfactant, a substance that helps keep the lungs open and functioning properly. Her research has led to improved treatments and survival rates for premature infants worldwide. Avery’s work transformed neonatal care and she was the first woman to serve as president of the National Academy of Medicine. Her discoveries have saved countless lives and advanced understanding of infant lung development.