Abstract

Dr. Virginia Apgar was a pioneering anaesthesiologist whose creation of the Apgar Score transformed the immediate assessment of newborns worldwide. Developed spontaneously on the back of an envelope, the score offered a clear, rapid method to evaluate heart rate, respiration, reflexes, tone, and colour quickly becoming an indispensable tool in delivery rooms. Despite facing gender bias and working in an era when anaesthesiology was undervalued, Apgar excelled as the first woman to head a division at Presbyterian Hospital and later as a senior leader at the March of Dimes. Her humour, curiosity, and relentless dedication made her deeply admired by colleagues and students. She championed scientific research, maternal–infant health, and the advancement of women in medicine. Today, the Apgar Score is recommended by WHO and ACOG and remains one of the most widely used neonatal assessments globally. Apgar’s legacy continues to save lives, reflecting her brilliance and enduring impact on modern medicine. Key Messages: • Dr. Virginia Apgar revolutionised neonatal care with the creation of the Apgar Score in 1952. • The score provides a rapid, standardised assessment of a newborn’s condition, saving millions of lives worldwide. • Apgar overcame gender bias and the undervaluation of anaesthesiology to become a pioneering leader in medicine. • Her humour, intellect, and dedication made her a beloved and influential figure. • As a researcher and later Vice President of Medical Affairs at the March of Dimes, sheadvanced the prevention of birth defects and maternal–infant health. • The Apgar Score remains globally recommended by WHO and ACOG, reflecting her lasting legacy.

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