Macnamara, Jean (1899-1968), an Australian doctor, is known for her work in the treatment of poliomyelitis. Epidemics of poliomyelitis, often called polio, were once common. They were greatly feared because the disease left many patients paralyzed for life. Children were the most frequent victims of polio.
Annie Jean Macnamara was born April 1, 1899, in Beechworth, Victoria. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1922. She then studied medicine as a resident at the Royal Melbourne Hospital until 1923. She studied at the Royal Children’s Hospital from 1923 to 1925, when she received her M.D. degree. From 1925 to 1931, she served as medical officer on the Poliomyelitis Committee of Victoria. From 1931 to 1934, she traveled around the United States and the United Kingdom, studying polio treatments and potential vaccines. In 1934, she married the Australian dermatologist Joseph Ivan Connor. In 1937, she worked with the Australian scientist Sir Macfarlane Burnet identifying different types of polio viruses.
Macnamara championed long-term care for patients paralyzed by polio. She promoted the use of new designs for splints and braces to support the limbs of patients. She also promoted the use of physical therapy among patients to help strengthen and retrain muscle. In 1935, Macnamara was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to the welfare of children. She died on Oct. 13, 1968.
