Walsh McDermott

Walsh McDermott (October 24, 1909 – October 17, 1981) was an American physician, medical researcher and public health specialist. In his early career, he researched antibiotic agents against tuberculosis and syphilis, earning a Lasker Award for his work on isoniazid, a drug used to treat tuberculosis. His later career focused on public health efforts, and he became a professor in public health at Cornell University.

Early life McDermott was born on October 24, 1909, in New Haven, Connecticut. He attended Phillips Academy and obtained an undergraduate degree from Princeton University in 1930. He graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1934.

Career McDermott completed his internship and residency at New York Hospital, which was then a teaching hospital for Cornell University Medical College. His early career was interrupted by repeated exacerbations of tuberculosis; his health eventually recovered by 1950 after treatment with isoniazid and surgery to remove part of his lung. He became a professor of public health and chair of Cornell University's public health department in 1955 and led local projects to improve healthcare in New York City.

Death McDermott died on October 17, 1981, from a heart attack at his vacation home in Pawling, New York.