History of Mildred Rebstock in Timeline

Mildred Catherine Rebstock was a pioneering American pharmaceutical chemist best known for her pivotal role in the first total synthesis of chloramphenicol, also known as chloromycetin. This achievement marked the first time an antibiotic had been entirely synthesized, rather than derived from natural sources. Chloramphenicol is considered critically important for human medicine by the World Health Organization due to its effectiveness against a range of bacterial infections. Rebstock's work significantly advanced antibiotic research and development, solidifying her legacy in pharmaceutical chemistry.

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Full Timeline

November 29, 1919: Birth of Mildred Rebstock

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

1919: Mildred Rebstock's Birth

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

1938: Graduation from Elkhart High School

In 1938, Mildred Rebstock graduated from Elkhart High School. Following this, she pursued further education at North Central College.

1942: Graduation from North Central College

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

1943: Master's Degree

In 1943, Mildred Rebstock earned her master's degree while researching at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

1945: Hired at Parke-Davis Research Labs

In 1945, Dr. Rebstock began her career at Parke-Davis Research Labs as a junior research chemist.

1945: Doctorate and Initiations

In 1945, Mildred Rebstock obtained her doctorate and was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi.

November 1947: Synthesis of Chloromycetin

Around November 1947, Dr. Rebstock successfully synthesized chloromycetin, a new antibiotic. This synthesis proved more cost-effective than organic fermentation.

1949: Publication of Chloromycetin Synthesis

In 1949, Dr. Rebstock and her team published their work on the synthesis of chloromycetin. This work made the antibiotic abundantly available for treating diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhoid fever.

1949: Time Magazine Article

In 1949, Time magazine published an article recognizing Dr. Mildred Rebstock's contribution to the synthesis of chloromycetin, highlighting her pivotal role in the achievement.

1950: "Science Woman of the Year" Award

In 1950, Dr. Mildred Rebstock was honored as the "Science Woman of the Year" by the Women's National Press Club of Washington DC, and was presented the award by President Truman.

1959: Promotion to Research Leader

In 1959, Dr. Rebstock was promoted to a research leader at Parke-Davis Research Labs.

1977: Departure from Parke-Davis Research Labs

In 1977, Dr. Rebstock concluded her employment at Parke-Davis Research Labs, where she had worked since 1945.

February 17, 2011: Death of Mildred Rebstock

On February 17, 2011, Mildred Catherine Rebstock died. She was known for her work as a pharmaceutical chemist, particularly her synthesis of chloromycetin.