Thomas Francis, Jr.

Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr. (July 15, 1900 – October 1, 1969) was an American physician, virologist, and epidemiologist. He was the first person to isolate influenza virus in America, and in 1940 showed that there are other strains of influenza, and took part in the development of influenza vaccines. He conducted the epidemiology studies prior to the relase of Jonas Salk's polio vaccine.

He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1946.

Refernce

• van Helvoort, T. Francis, Thomas, Jr. American National Biography Online Feb. 2000.