Bailey Ashford

Colonel Bailey Kelly Ashford (September 18, 1873 – November 1, 1934) was an American physician who had a military career in the United States Army, and afterward taught full-time at the School of Tropical Medicine in Puerto Rico, which he helped establish in San Juan.

A pioneering physician in the treatment of anemia, Ashford organized and conducted a parasite treatment campaign against hookworm while stationed in Puerto Rico. This cured approximately 300,000 persons (one-third of the Puerto Rico population) and reduced the death rate from associated anemia by 90 percent. He was a founding member of the Puerto Rico Anemia Commission.

Early years Ashford was born in Washington, D.C., on September 18, 1873, as one of five children in the family of Francis Ashford, a prominent physician, and his wife. His general education was obtained at the public schools and at Columbian University in Washington, D.C. (now George Washington University). In 1896, he graduated from the Georgetown University School of Medicine. He served as a resident physician in several area hospitals.

Commissioned lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Corps in November 1897,

Personal life Ashford made Puerto Rico his adopted home, marrying a local woman, María López Nussa. They had three children: Mahlon, Margarita, and Gloria María.

Anemia treatment Captain Ashford was a founding member of the Puerto Rico Anemia Commission. By special authority of the Secretary of War, he served on the Commission from 1904 to 1906. After serving as a commander of the Army Medical Department's First Division during World War I, Colonel Ashford was assigned to San Juan. He campaigned for the development of "a real school of tropical medicine in the American tropics".

Ashford was promoted to lieutenant colonel in July 1916 and colonel in May 1917.

The School of Tropical Medicine of Puerto Rico was formally dedicated in 1925.

Ashford retired from active duty on February 10, 1928. ) in Puerta de Tierra, San Juan, is one of the few examples of the Neo-Plateresque architectural style in the Island.

Legacy and honors

In his honor, the main avenue in the San Juan, Puerto Rico district of Condado, bears his name as does the Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital as well as the Ashford Medical Center, also in Condado. Built in 1912 on Ashford Avenue, his home is preserved as a museum known as the Casa de Cultura Dr. Bailey K. Ashford (Dr. Bailey K. Ashford Culture House). In 1925, Ashford was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his World War I service.

Ashford died on November 1, 1934, in his home in San Juan. Originally buried at the Fort Brooke Military Cemetery, his remains were re-interred at Puerto Rico National Cemetery in the city of Bayamón on April 20, 1954.