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 release of Jonas Salk's polio vaccine. July 15 is the 196th day (197th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 169 days remaining. ... 1900 is a common year starting on Monday. ... October 1 is the 274th day of the year (275th in Leap years). ... 1969 was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1969 calendar). ... A physician is a person who practices medicine. ... Virology is the study of viruses and their properties. ... Epidemiology (Greek epi = upon, among; demos = people, district; logos = word, discourse), defined literally, is the study of epidemics in humans. ... Negatively stained flu virions. ... 1940 was a leap year starting on Monday (link will take you to calendar). ... A bottle and a syringe containing the influenza vaccine. ... Jonas Salk (October 28, 1914 - June 23, 1995) is the discoverer/inventor of the eponymous Salk vaccine (see polio vaccine). ... Poliomyelitis (polio), or infantile paralysis, is a viral paralytic disease. ... Two polio vaccines are used throughout the world to combat polio. ...

He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1946. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States. ... 1946 was a common year starting on Tuesday. ...

Reference

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