By: Jennifer Schleman and Silke Schoch 

As the United States begins its 250th birthday celebrations, it is worth reflecting not only on the nation’s cultural history, but also on the remarkable progress made in health, medicine, and public health. 

Over the past two and a half centuries, researchers, clinicians, patients, caregivers, advocates, and policymakers have helped transform health care in ways that have extended lives, reduced suffering, and improved outcomes for millions of Americans. While many challenges remain ahead of us, these milestones remind us how far we have come and how much can be achieved through collaboration and perseverance. 

The Milestones that Changed U.S. Health 

1847: American Medical Association Founded 
The establishment of the American Medical Association, a founding and current member of the National Health Council, helped set standards for medical education, professional practice, and medical ethics contributing to the modernization of American medicine. 

1849: First Woman to Earn a Medical Degree in the U.S.  
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S., paving the way for generations of women in medicine and health care leadership. 

1887: The Origins of the National Institutes of Health 
The organization that would eventually become the National Institutes of Health began in a “one-room laboratory” within the Marine Hospital Service (MHS), laying the foundation for one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. 

1920: The National Health Council is Founded 
Established in 1920, the National Health Council brought together patient organizations and public health stakeholders to address pressing health challenges in the early 20th century and has since become a leading voice for patient-centered health policy and research. 

1954: The First Successful Organ Transplant 
Dr. Joseph Murray led the first successful human kidney transplant, opening the door to modern transplantation medicine and saving lives in the decades that followed. 

1955: The Creation of the Polio Vaccine  
The introduction of the polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk marked a turning point in public health. Cases of polio disease rapidly declined, demonstrating the power of scientific research and vaccination. 

1965: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Created 
The creation of Medicare and Medicaid transformed access to health care for older adults, people with disabilities, pregnant patients, and low-income Americans, becoming cornerstones of America’s public health care system. 

1980: The Eradication of Smallpox 
Smallpox became the first human disease to be eradicated globally through coordinated vaccination efforts, representing one of the greatest public health achievements in history. 

The 1980s and 1990s: HIV/AIDS Advocacy Reshaped Drug Development 
Patients, caregivers, and advocates affected by HIV/AIDS helped transform how therapies were developed, reviewed, and approved. Their activism accelerated research, expanded patient involvement, and helped establish many principles that continue to shape patient-centered drug development today. 

1990–2003: Mapping the Human Genome 
The Human Genome Project revolutionized society’s understanding of genetics and laid the groundwork for precision medicine, genetic testing, and many new innovative targeted therapies. 

Looking Forward 
The history of health in the U.S. is a story of discovery, strength, and collaboration. From vaccines and transplants to genomics and patient engagement, each milestone represents the efforts of people working to improve and extend lives. 

As we commemorate America’s 250th birthday, we celebrate these achievements while continuing to pursue a future where every person can live a healthier life. The next great health milestone may already be taking shape in a laboratory, clinic, patient community, or advocacy organization today.