Angela Diaz '81: Winner of the Virginia Kneeland Frantz Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine

Angela Diaz, MD, PhD, MPH, was presented with the Virginia Kneeland Frantz Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine at the VP&S Alumni Reunion on April 24, 2026, in New York City.

As director of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center for 35 years and chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System, she developed and scaled an integrated model of care spanning primary care, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and social support for patients ages 10 to 26. Under her leadership, the Center grew to serve more than 12,000 youth annually—many uninsured—providing comprehensive services at no cost to patients. Her model has been replicated nationwide and has advanced multidisciplinary approaches to adolescent medicine, improving access and outcomes for vulnerable youth.

Dr. Diaz’s research, policy, and global health work have focused on underserved populations, including youth affected by violence and social inequities. She has led and contributed to international health initiatives across multiple regions and has informed national and global approaches to adolescent care. She has received major funding from the National Institutes of Health and has contributed to federal advisory efforts in adolescent health.

Dr. Diaz holds a Master of Public Health from Harvard University and an MD and PhD in epidemiology from Columbia University. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has served in leadership roles across federal and municipal health agencies, including as a White House Fellow, in the Food and Drug Administration, and at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. She currently serves as dean for global health, social justice, and human rights at the Mount Sinai Health System.

This award honors the legacy of Dr. Virginia Kneeland Frantz, MD 1922, whose breakthroughs advanced medical research, basic science, and clinical care. It recognizes a VP&S alumna whose work reflects significant achievement in scientific research or clinical practice and celebrates the contributions of women in medicine. Learn more about the VP&S Alumni Association’s annual awards program and submit a nomination anytime for yourself or a fellow alum.