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Neva Abelson

1910 – 2000

Physician

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About Neva Abelson

Lived 1910 – 2000 (aged 89). Neva Abelson was an American professor and pediatrician.

Neva Irene Martin Abelson (November 19, 1910 – September 26, 2000) was a distinguished research physician who co-discovered the life-saving blood test for the Rh blood factor (with Louis K. Diamond).

The Philip and Neva Abelson Hall at Washington State University was named in her honor.

Early career Abelson graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. degree in chemistry. She became one of the first women to graduate from Johns Hopkins University with a medical degree. After medical school she became a pediatrician. She was the first pediatrician to ever be placed in charge of Johns Hopkins nurseries. She published a book, Topics in Blood Banking, in 1974. She received the Emily Cooley Memorial Award from the American Association of Blood Banks.

In 1989, she received the Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award for her contributions to developing the test for the Rh blood factor. Their daughter, Ellen Abelson Cherniavsky who is now retired, worked as an aviation researcher at The MITRE Corporation in Virginia.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Washington State University, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Employers
University of Pennsylvania
Also known as
Neva Martin Abelson, Neva Irene Martin Abelson

People in Neva Abelson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Neva Abelson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Neva Abelson?

physician

When was Neva Abelson born?

Neva Abelson was born on 19 November 1910 in Lamar.

When did Neva Abelson die?

Neva Abelson died on 26 September 2000 in Washington, D.C..

What was Neva Abelson's occupation?

Neva Abelson was a professor and pediatrician.

What nationality was Neva Abelson?

Neva Abelson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Neva Abelson

· Wikidata: Q16001397

· DBpedia: Neva Abelson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Neva Abelson. https://biography.guide/neva-abelson/

MLA: "Neva Abelson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/neva-abelson/.

Chicago: "Neva Abelson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/neva-abelson/.

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