Judith Palfrey '71: Winner of the Virginia Kneeland Frantz '22 Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine

Judith Palfrey '71 was presented with the Virginia Kneeland Frantz ’22 Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine at the VP&S Alumni Reunion on May 14, 2022, in New York City.

Judith Palfrey '71 is the T. Berry Brazelton professor of pediatrics and professor of global health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School, former chief of the Division of General Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, and the 2009–2010 president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She was named executive director of Let’s Move!, a program First Lady Michelle Obama developed to target childhood obesity. Her research has championed community medicine and pediatric advocacy, examining how pediatricians can address social determinants of health as part of their routine responsibilities. She has investigated the impact of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act on children with special needs, has advocated for the medical home, has encouraged school participation for children assisted by medical technology, and more. As director of the Annie Dyson Community Pediatrics Training Initiative, Dr. Palfrey has shaped the training of pediatric residents nationwide. Dr. Palfrey is the author of more than 100 papers on community medicine and advocacy and books, including Child Health in America: Making a Difference through Advocacy (Johns Hopkins Press, 2006).

This award is a testament to the remarkable achievements of Dr. Virginia Frantz, MD 1922. Her breakthroughs significantly advanced medical research, basic science, and clinical medicine. This award recognizes an alumna of VP&S who has made significant accomplishments in scientific research or clinical care. It is a tribute to the invaluable 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.