History of Mildred Rebstock in Timeline

Mildred Rebstock was a groundbreaking American pharmaceutical chemist renowned for her pivotal role in the full synthesis of chloromycetin (chloramphenicol). This marked the first time an antibiotic was entirely synthesized, a feat with significant implications for medicine. Chloramphenicol is still classified by the World Health Organization as critically important in human medicine. Rebstock's work represented a major advancement in pharmaceutical science, offering new avenues for antibiotic production and contributing significantly to the fight against infectious diseases.

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Full Timeline

November 29, 1919: Birth of Mildred Catherine Rebstock

On November 29, 1919, Mildred Catherine Rebstock was born. She later became a prominent American pharmaceutical chemist known for synthesizing chloromycetin.

1919: Mildred Catherine Rebstock born

In 1919, Mildred Catherine Rebstock was born in Elkhart, Indiana, to Redna and Adolph Rebstock.

1938: Graduation from Elkhart High School

In 1938, Mildred Catherine Rebstock graduated from Elkhart High School, marking a significant step in her early education.

1942: Graduation from North Central College

In 1942, Mildred Catherine Rebstock graduated from North Central College with a bachelor's degree and secured a full fellowship to research ascorbic acid at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

1943: Master's Degree

In 1943, Mildred Catherine Rebstock earned her master's degree, furthering her academic achievements in the field of science.

1945: Hired at Parke-Davis Research Labs

In 1945, Dr. Rebstock was hired as a junior research chemist at Parke-Davis Research Labs, beginning her professional career in pharmaceutical chemistry.

1945: Doctorate and Initiation into Societies

In 1945, Mildred Catherine Rebstock earned her doctorate and was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, recognizing her academic excellence.

November 1947: Synthesis of Chloromycetin

Around November 1947, Dr. Rebstock found a way to fully synthesize the antibiotic chloromycetin. This was a rare case where the synthetization of a molecule was more cost effective than fermenting it through organic processes.

1949: Publication of chloromycetin work

In 1949, Dr. Rebstock and her team published their work on the synthesis of chloromycetin, making it available for widespread use in treating various infectious diseases.

1949: Featured in Time Magazine

In 1949, Time magazine featured Dr. Rebstock in an article recognizing her groundbreaking research, highlighting her significant role in the team's achievement.

1950: Science Woman of the Year Award

In 1950, Dr. Rebstock was awarded the "Science Woman of the Year" by the Women's National Press Club of Washington DC, and it was presented to her by President Truman, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to science.

1959: Promotion to Research Leader at Parke-Davis

In 1959, Dr. Rebstock was promoted to a research leader at Parke-Davis Research Labs, acknowledging her growing expertise and contributions to the field.

1977: Left Parke-Davis Research Labs

In 1977, Dr. Rebstock concluded her employment at Parke-Davis Research Labs after a 32-year career, marking the end of a significant chapter in her professional life.

February 17, 2011: Death of Mildred Catherine Rebstock

On February 17, 2011, Mildred Catherine Rebstock passed away. She was an American pharmaceutical chemist known for her contributions to synthesizing chloromycetin.