As a result of her blocking American approval of thalidomide , Kelsey was awarded the President 's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service by President John F. Kennedy , becoming the second woman to receive that award .
As a result of her blocking American approval of thalidomide , Kelsey was awarded the President 's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service by President John F. Kennedy , Kelsey retired from the FDA in 2005 , at age 90 , after 45 years of service .