Virginia Apgar

Hello! My name is Virginia Apgar. When I was a little girl, I loved science and music. Most of all, I loved helping people feel better. So when I grew up, I decided to become a doctor. I went to a big school to learn all about how to take care of people. It was my dream to help everyone, especially the littlest ones.

I worked in a busy hospital where many babies were born. It was so exciting to see them for the very first time! I noticed that some babies were sleepy or quiet when they were born, and they needed a little extra help to get started. I thought, 'What if there was a quick and easy way to check on every single baby right away?' I wanted to make sure each one was healthy and strong. So, I came up with a simple game, like a special checkup, to see how they were doing. We would check if they were pink and wiggly, if their little heart was beating strong, and if they could give a big cry!

My little checkup worked so well! The other doctors and nurses loved it. They decided to name it the Apgar score, after me. It was like giving the babies a grade to see if they needed a hug, some warmth, or a little help breathing. Soon, hospitals all over the world started using my idea. It made me so happy to know that my score was helping to keep babies safe from the very first minute of their lives.

I lived to be 65 years old, and I spent my life caring for others. I am so glad that my idea has helped millions and millions of babies start their lives in a healthy way. It makes me smile to know that doctors are still using my special checkup to take care of brand-new people every single day.