In 1902, Lina Struthers was appointed on an experimental basis, as a member of the relatively recently recognized profession of professional nurses. Pioneers of the profession became the first public health policy and health communication experts, serving to promote public understanding of disease prevention, which became critical after a smallpox outbreak in New York City caused widespread public panic and school absenteeism. Within one month Struthers had reduced absenteeism by a factor of 10.