Mary Bassett '79: Winner of the Virginia Kneeland Frantz '22 Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine

Mary Bassett '79 was presented with the Virginia Kneeland Frantz '22 Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine at the VP&S Alumni Reunion on April 22, 2023, in New York City.

With more than 30 years of experience in public health, Dr. Bassett has dedicated her career to advancing health equity. She was the 17th Health Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health from 2021-22 and formerly New York City’s Commissioner of Health from 2014-18. She now directs the François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University. Originally from New York City, Dr. Bassett lived in Zimbabwe for nearly 20 years, where she served on the medical faculty of the University of Zimbabwe. She also worked as the program director for the African Health Initiative and the Child Well-being Program at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and as Deputy Commissioner for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 

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.