Full Name

Marilyn Hughes Gaston

Date of Birth

January 31, 1939

Place of Birth

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Education

Miami University, (Bachelor’s degree in Zoology) University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, (Medical Degree)

Parents Names

Dorothy Hughes, Myron Hughes

Affiliated Organizations’ Names

U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration National Institutes of Health Gaston and Porter Health Improvement Center

Marilyn Hughes Gaston is a renowned physician and researcher, known for her significant contributions to public health. She was the first African American woman to direct a Public Health Service Bureau, specifically the Bureau of Primary Health Care in the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. She is internationally recognized for her work on sickle cell disease, which led to a nationwide screening program for newborns. Gaston has dedicated her career to improving medical care for poor and minority families, and has been a strong advocate for health care equality. She is also the co-director of the Gaston and Porter Health Improvement Center.