Jonas Edward Salk

Jonas Salk (http://www.salk.edu/about/jonas_salk.html)

For children living in the 1940s and 50s, it was a scary time. Parents were often afraid to let their children go swimming, visit with friends, and go on vacation. They kept their children isolated at home, living in fear that they might catch a disease that could cripple them. It spread rapidly in the summer and left thousands of children paralyzed each year. The horrible disease was polio and Jonas Salk eradicated it. His medical breakthrough saved millions of lives and continues to have a lasting impact on the world today. Throughout his life, Salk also demonstrated an unselfish regard for the welfare of others. His pioneering medical work and altruism are an inspiration and indicate him as a hero.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonas_Salk)

Jonas Salk was born on October 28, 1914 in New York City. Although Salk initially wanted to be a lawyer, he changed his mind and decided to become a doctor. In 1939, Jonas earned his medical degree from New York University and completed a two-year internship at Mount Sinai Hospital. His initial work with vaccines began at the University of Michigan where he conducted medical research on the influenza vaccine for the US army. From there, he was appointed Director of the Research Library at the University of Pittsburg. While at the University of Pittsburg, Salk began working on a vaccine to prevent polio by using a dead virus in the vaccine instead of a live one. According to Vogt, “He discovered that by killing the polio virus and then injecting it into a human subject, the patient would develop immunity to polio. Salk’s vaccine was used to vaccinate the population on a massive scale in 1955; the polio virus was virtually eliminated within five years and Salk became a medical hero”. In 1963, he established the Salk Institute of Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. He continued conducting research on other diseases at his institute until his death in 1995 in La Jolla, California.

(http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/sal0bio-1)

Jonas Salk's refusal to accept things as they were led him to remarkable advances in science. His hours of research and dedication reflect his perseverance and determination for change. Rather than using conventional methods, he focused on improving them. Salk’s ingenious ideas also led him to establish a scientific institute. According to Inside Salk, “It would not be the first time Salk's way of thinking appeared unusual – or even provocative. Much like his strategy for developing the polio vaccine, Salk's penchant for addressing and solving problems through unconventional approaches would influence what he was envisioning next: a revered research enclave where some of the world's brightest minds in biological science could freely explore their curiosity in a collaborative and unfettered environment for the benefit of human health.” He utilized his ability to take initiative and created a new tone in the scientific environment. Salk approached the world with a vision for change and a mindset of new ideas. Not only did Jonas Salk promote new ideas, but he also stood by them in the face of adversity. He continued to persevere despite disapproval. In response to the criticism, Vogt quotes Salk’s valuable insight. ‘I know that there are those that are waiting for my failure. But my answer is that there is no such thing as failure. You can only fail if you stop too soon’.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonas_Salk)

Salk’s achievements are not the only things that distinguish him as a hero. His generosity, compassion and selflessness towards others are remarkable to this day. Oddly enough, “Salk never patented the vaccine, nor did he earn any money from his discovery, preferring to see it distributed as widely as possible”(About Jonas Salk). Salk cared more for improving public health than his own personal gain. Salk’s desire for the vaccine to be available to everyone, clearly illustrates his heroism. Salk was deeply concerned about the safety and well being of those taking his experimental vaccine. “He therefore exposed the viruses to formaldehyde for nearly 13 days. Though after only three days he could detect no virulence in the sample, Salk wanted to establish a wide safety margin; after an additional ten days of exposure to the formaldehyde, he reckoned that there was only a one-in-a-trillion chance of there being a live virus particle in a single dose of his vaccine”(Salk, Jonas 1914-1995). Determined that there was no way anyone could become sick, Salk’s cautious behavior saved lives. Salk focus on helping others continued throughout his life. For example, “ Salk and his family proudly attended the White House ceremony where President Dwight Eisenhower thanked him on behalf of the American people, to the amazement of many, he graciously turned down a flashy parade (suggesting the money be used for student scholarships instead)”(“Inside Salk”). Many people would want to celebrate their accomplishments; however, Salk requested that the money be used for something that would make a lasting impact. He gave up a public tribute, preferring to donate the money to education. Salk exemplifies what it means to be a hero. His achievements, dedication, and benevolence demonstrate the positive effect one human being can have on others.

(http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/halls/sci)

Salk’s philanthropy and accomplishments are an inspiration to focus on solving problems for the greater good of mankind. He worked tireless hours to come up with a new way to treat polio despite the discouragement of to others. “A memorial at the Institute with a statement from Salk captures his vision: ‘Hope lies in dreams, in imagination and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality’ (“About Jonas Salk”). People who believe in change and have a vision are motivated to make a difference. It is the belief that solutions can be found, that motivates people to seek out change. This alone is not enough however, as success is also the result of drive and perseverance. Salk’s determination, ideas for change, and unselfish regard towards others serve as an inspiration to this day. Salk’s accomplishments and strength of character make him worthy of the title hero.