Who is Dr. Denmark?

Doctor Denmark is America's most experienced pediatrician, and longest practicing doctor. It is estimated that she personally treated over 250,000 patients over 75 years of active practice.

At age 108, Dr. Denmark- though semi-retired due to loss of vision- still conducts phone consultations from her daughter’s home in Athens, Georgia. Born in 1898 in Bulloch County Georgia, she was graduated from Tift College, attended Mercer University, and completed her medical training in 1928 from Medical College of Georgia.
 

Dr. Denmark pictured with Madia Bowman and her daughter Christina.

As the first intern at Egleston Children’s Hospital the same year, she admitted the first patients. She was instrumental in developing- through research and testing on patients- the pertussis vaccine (whooping cough) in the 1930’s, for which she received the prestigious Fisher Award in 1935.The recipient of many awards, Dr. Denmark was most recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by Emory University in Atlanta for her outstanding humanitarian work on behalf of children’s health.

Generations of Georgians have seen Dr. Denmark for medical care. Her story has been featured on CNN/TIME, 48 Hours, The Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, in USA today, Good Housekeeping, People Magazine, Parade Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Focus on the Family Physician, and numerous additional local and national publications.

Dr. Denmark's Book

In 1971, Dr. Denmark published a book titled: "Every Child Should Have a Chance"; that book is available directly from Dr. Denmark for $18.00 with shipping included for domestic (U.S.) addresses only.

Send checks to her at:

Dr. Leila D. Denmark
150 Morton Avenue
Athens, Georgia 30605

What is the difference between Dr. Denmark's book and Madia Bowman's book?

Dr. Denmark Said It! includes much practical treatment information, easily accessible, that is not found in the earlier book. However, Dr. Denmark's philosophy of mothering and care is detailed best in her own book. Its a great companion to Mrs. Bowman's book.
 

Dr. Denmark's Memberships and Honors:

• American Medical Association
• Medical Association of Georgia
• Georgia Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (honorary president)
• Medical Association of Atlanta
• Druid Hills Baptist Church, Atlanta
• Selected as Atlanta's Woman of the Year, 1953
• Received distinguished service citation from Tift College, April 14, 1970, as "a devout humanitarian who has invested her life in pediatric services to all families without respect to economic status, race, or national origin... Devoted humanitarian, doctor par excellence, generous benefactor."
• Honorary degree, doctor of humanities, Tift College, June 4 1972
• Fisher Award in 1935 for outstanding research in diagnosis, treatment and immunization of whooping cough
• Distinguished Alumni Award from Georgia Southern College, Statesboro, January 28, 1978
• Honorary president, Georgia Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
• Community Service Award 1980, sponsored by television station WXIA, Atlanta
• Distinguished Alumni Award from Mercer University, Macon 1980
• Distinguished Alumni Award from Tift College, Forsyth, 1980
• Book of Golden Deeds Award, Buckhead Exchange Club, Atlanta, April 17, 1981
• Citation from Citizens of Portal at Turpentine Festival, October 16, 1982, jointly with husband, John Eustace Denmark, for outstanding achievement and service.
• Medal of Honor from Daughters of American Revolution, Joseph Habersham chapter, Atlanta, October 20, 1983
• Selected as  member of Gracious Ladies of Georgia, Columbus, 1987
• Distinguished Alumni Award from Medical College of Georgia, May 2, 1987
• Honored with husband, John Eustace Denmark, by Mercer University as life member of President's Club, December 4, 1987
• Shining Light Award, Atlanta Gas Light Company, 1989
• Honorary degree, Doctor of Science, Mercer University, June 2, 1991
• Honorary degree, Doctor of Science, Emory University, May 2000
• Heroes, Saints and Legends Award, Wesley Woods, 2000
• Georgia legislature commends her for her many contributions, 2000