PLOT OF THE EPISODE
The seventh episode of the series “Scientists Who Made a Difference for Humanity” is dedicated to Georgios Papanikolaou, the distinguished scientist and researcher who benefited women with his medical discovery for the early detection of cervical cancer. Georgios Papanikolaou, along with his wife, Machi Mavrogeni, emigrated to New York so that he could pursue his great love: the research. They went through difficult years, worked hard in stores and factories, but never strayed from the path they had set for themselves. They fought for their goal and succeeded. George was hired by the Department of Anatomy at Cornell University in Miami, and since then he has devoted himself to the study of cervical cells. When he announced the initial findings from his experiments, few of his colleagues believed him. He did not, however, lose his courage or optimism, and he quietly continued his work. Machē, a valuable companion on the arduous journey of research, stood by Georgios’s side every step of the way. Through tireless work and faith in his ideas, with patience and perseverance, his efforts paid off, and the time for recognition had finally come. Doctors and researchers around the world began to share his views. The test he proposed—the “Pap test,” which remains well-known to this day—was widely accepted as the only method for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. George had finally been vindicated. He passed away in 1962, leaving behind a remarkable body of work of inestimable value. Mothers and daughters across the globe honor the eminent physician, the Greek Dr. Pap. They owe him eternal gratitude for saving them from cervical cancer. Who gave them health and life through a simple and painless gynecological exam.
Narration: George Evgenikos
Music: Mara Kaisari
Research and Text Editing: Maria Vlachaki
We owe our heartfelt thanks for his scientific contribution to Mr. Dimitris Zacharakis, MD, PhD, obstetrician, gynecologic surgeon, urogynecologist, and university fellow at the First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at Alexandra Hospital.
You can listen to and/or download the podcast from the Eugenides Foundation’s channel on Spotify HERE.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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G. Papanikolaou General Hospital of Thessaloniki. Biography of Georgios Papanikolaou (n.d.). Retrieved from https://gpapanikolaou.gr/biografiko-gpapanikolaou.html (Last accessed March 26, 2022).
Diamanti, I. (Feb. 2011) 19). Life with George N. Papanikolaou. Kathimerini. Retrieved from https://www.kathimerini.gr/society/419261/i-zoi-dipla-ston-georgio-n-papanikolaoy (Last accessed March 26, 2022).
Diamantis, G. (February 2021) 19). Georgios Papanikolaou: The great benefactor of women. Little-known moments from the life and work of this great scientist. The News. Retrieved from https://www.tanea.gr/2021/02/19/people/georgios-papanikolaou-o-megas-eyergetis-ton-gynaikon (Last accessed March 26, 2022).
Dr. Pap. - Georgios N. Papanikolaou. Retrieved from https://www.dr-pap.com (Last accessed March 26, 2022).
Zachou, K. (2009). Georgios Papanikolaou. Series: Great Greeks. Athens: SKAI.
Kokkori, M. (1985). George N. Papanikolaou: Through his life and work (biographies, letters, memoirs). Athens: Cedar.