Pearl Tang

Pearl Mao Tang (January 11, 1922 – June 11, 2021) was a Chinese-American obstetrician and gynecologist credited with decreasing infant mortality in Arizona.

Early life Pearl Mao was born on January 11, 1922, in Shanghai. She was the fourth child of five born to Mabel Wong and David Mao, a doctor and teacher. Mao had been born in Hawaii and attended medical school in Kansas before meeting and marrying Wong while teaching in China. In her work, she identified the pathogenic E. Coli, which had national significance.

Thomas used his new law degree to appeal to the State Board of Medical Examiners for Mao to take the licensing exam. In 1951, Mao passed, making her the first Asian woman to become a licensed physician. She began her medical career in charge of the hospital on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. She went on to work in pediatric clinics. In both positions, she saw large socio-economic discrepancies and the impact on health. Inspired by her work with child health, she was inspired to work in prenatal care and maternity clinics in an effort to prevent preterm birth. 2015: Diana Gregory Outreach Services Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award 2012: Arizona Public Health Association Senator Andy Nichols Honor Award 2006: State Bar of Arizona Award of Appreciation