Joseph Stokes Jr, MD
Physician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, 1939-1963
Joseph Stokes Jr, MD, was appointed as the second Physician-in-Chief at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania and served in those roles for 24 years. Dr. Stokes was a fifth-generation physician in a family of physicians who had practiced in the southern New Jersey area beginning during the Revolutionary War. He is credited with transforming CHOP into a world leader in pediatric research and medical education.
Dr. Stokes achieved this transformation by focusing on recruiting and supporting the best and brightest pediatricians of the day. He appointed the first Director of Research at CHOP: T. McNair Scott. He recruited and collaborated with Walter and Gertrude Henle to develop and test the first vaccine against influenza. Along with others, Dr. Stokes established that gamma globulin effectively prevented infectious hepatitis and poliomyelitis, laying the foundation for development of hepatitis and polio vaccines. He also played an important role in the development of the measles vaccine.
Dr. Stokes was a national leader and the recipient of numerous national awards for his contributions to pediatrics and infectious diseases. He was most proud of the United States Medal of Freedom, awarded to him by President Harry S. Truman in recognition of his distinguished services during World War II. Dr. Stokes’ insatiable curiosity and visionary leadership fostered CHOP’s investment in research to improve child health. Because of his influence, CHOP remains at the forefront of pediatric research and medical education to this day.
References:
- The New York Times obituary for Joseph Stokes Jr.
- Bongiovanni A. Memoir of Joseph Stokes, Jr., 1896-1972. Trans Stud Coll Physicians Phila. 1972 Oct;40(2):147-8. PMID: 4563411.
- Bell, M. Images of America, The Children’s hospital of Philadelphia, Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, South Carolina. 2015. Page 76.
Summary:
Joseph Stokes, Jr., MD, played a pivotal role in transforming CHOP into a world leader in pediatric research and medical education. He appointed the first Director of Research at CHOP, T. McNair Scott. Dr. Stokes’ own research led to the discovery that gamma globulin effectively prevented infectious hepatitis and poliomyelitis. His insatiable curiosity and visionary leadership fostered CHOP’s investment in research that focused on improving child health. Because of his influence, CHOP remains at the forefront of pediatric research and medical education to this day.