Dr. Angella Ferguson
1925–
Dr. Angella Ferguson’s groundbreaking research changed the way doctors understand and treat sickle cell anemia, a disease that mostly affects African Americans.
Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that causes red blood cells—which are usually round and soft—to become stiff and shaped like a sickle, or crescent moon. These sickle-shaped cells can get stuck in blood vessels, blocking the flow of oxygen through the body. This can cause pain, tiredness, and other serious health problems.
Dr. Ferguson wanted to help babies born with this condition get treatment right away. She developed one of the first simple blood tests to detect sickle cell anemia at birth. Thanks to her research, doctors could identify the disease early and begin treatment sooner, helping children live longer, healthier lives.
Her work also helped set national guidelines for diagnosing and caring for people with sickle cell anemia. Dr. Ferguson’s discoveries have saved countless lives and continue to guide doctors today.