Helen Elizabeth Nash

Helen Elizabeth Nash (August 8, 1921 – October 4, 2012) was a pediatrician known for breaking racial and gender barriers in the medical field. She began her career at the Homer G. Phillips Hospital, and later worked at the St. Louis Children's Hospital. She started her own private practice and was a faculty member at the Washington University School of Medicine. Her earliest work included decreasing infant mortality in Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Her private practice was notable for educating teens on proper sexual health. Additionally, she was one of the first medical doctors to address patient health as care for the patient and their support systems.

Personal life

Nash was born on August 8, 1921, to Homer Erwin Nash Sr. and Marie Antoinette Graves Nash. Her father, Homer Erwin Nash Sr., returned from World War I and started a medical practice called Herndon Building in 1910. Helen was the third of six children in the family, and they were raised in Atlanta.

Homer and Marie's first child died when Homer was away at war. The baby died of dehydration from gastroenteritis, a disease later cured by Ringer's lactate solution, commonly known as Hartmann's solution, developed by Dr.Alexis Hartmann, of whom Dr.Helen Nash eventually met.

Educational degrees Nash received her bachelor's degree from Spelman College in 1941. She received her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 1945. For instance, they managed to implement more incubators and handwashing facilities.

Career In 1949, Nash opened her own medical practice in St. Louis. She was known for her generosity and openness and saw mostly poor patients. She educated teens on sex in her "Sex Room," which became a well-known feature of her practice. In addition to healthcare, Nash often visited the Missouri Botanical Garden during her internship years and became a member of the Garden's board of trustees in 1991.