Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston work in sickle cell disease led to the nationwide screening of infants for the condition.  Her 1986 study found that the complications of sickle cell disease could be avoided through early treatment and was instrumental in establishing the screening.

Other accomplishments:

• Served as director of the Bureau of Primary Health Care in the U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration
• First African American woman to direct a major public health service bureau
• Second African American woman to achieve the position of assistant surgeon general and the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service
• Received two honorary doctor of science degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth University
• Received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
• Received the National Medical Association's Scroll of Merit, the organization's highest honor
• Received the Dr. Nathan Davis Award from the American Medical Association
• Member of Ohio Women's Hall of Fame