Zdenka Buben

Zdenka Buben (1895–1988) was an American public health social worker who pioneered the development of many professional standards.

Early life

Buben was born to a Czech family in Paris, France in 1895. Her mother did not like France, and thus her father suggested that they move. When Zdenka was two, Buben's father's friend arranged for Buben's father to transfer his work to New York, where the Buben family lived until 1908. where she originally majored in music. She switched her major to Hygiene, a department where people were trained as somewhat nurse and somewhat social work trainees. Buben also was a proponent of preventative care for diseases that are preventable, particularly tuberculosis and smallpox. She also lobbied for standards for social work and better licensure practices. In recognition of her significant contribution to social work, Buben was inducted to the California Social Work Hall of Distinction.