1883-1962

Greek-American Physician

George Nicholas Papanicolaou was the originator of the Pap test used in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Papanicolaou's test (known as a Pap smear) became the most effective cancer prevention method ever devised.

Papanicolaou, born in Greece, undertook his medical training at the University of Athens, where he earned his medical degree in 1883. After serving in the army, he joined his father's medical practice for awhile before pursuing a career in academic medicine. In 1910, Papanicolaou earned a Ph.D. degree in zoology from the University of Munich, and moved on to participate in a long oceanographic expedition. When the Balkan War broke out, Papanicolaou once again served his country in the Medical Corps. In 1913—with a new wife and no firm prospects—Papanicolaou set sail for America.

After working briefly as a salesman in a department store and playing the violin...