Our Past Shapes Our Future

Vivian W. Pinn

When I talk to young people, I often say you’ve got to have self-confidence but you can’t be arrogant.

Dr. Vivian W. Pinn was the inaugural director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1991 and Associate Director of NIH for Women’s Health Research from 1994 until her retirement in 2011. Under her leadership, this new office advanced national strategic plans for women’s health research. She also served as co-chair of the NIH Working Group on Women in Biomedical Careers. Her leadership role in advancing the health and careers of women and minorities has been widely recognized.

 

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Born: 1941

Birthplace: Halifax, VA

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Medical Specialty

Pathology and Women's Health

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Alma Dea Morani Award

Year: 2020  |   Read more

Awards and Honors

  • Candace Award - National Coalition of 100 Black Women (1990)
  • Margaret E. Mahoney Award for Outstanding Service - Commonwealth Fund (2000)
  • Dean's Medal of Honor - Tufts University School of Medicine (2011)
  • Foremother Award - National Center for Health Research (2013)
  • Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1994)
  • Elizabeth Blackwell Award - American Medical Women's Association (1995)
  • Special Recognition Award, Association of American Medical Colleges

Education & Training

Undergraduate

Wellesley College BA - Zoology | 1962

Medical Degree

University of Virginia School of MedicineMD | 1970

Residency Training

Massachusetts General Hospital Pathology | 1970

Fellowship

Harvard Medical SchoolTeaching Fellow | 1970

 

Career

Tufts University School of Medicine

Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs 1970

Howard University College of Medicine

Professor & Chair - Pathology Department1982-1991

National Institutes of Health

Inaugural Director - Office of Research on Women's Health1991-1994

National Institutes of Health

Associate Director, Women's Health Research1994-2011

Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health

Senior Scientist Emerita2011-Present

 

Professional Leadership and Advocacy

National Medical Association

President1989

National Academies Committee on Women in Science, Engineering and Medicine

Committee Member

 Her Life in Her Own Words

Her Vision for Social Justice

Well known for her leadership role in advancing the health and careers of women, Vivian Pinn has been an equally forceful advocate for the health and careers of minorities.

 Her Advocacy for Women in Medicine

 Her Contributions According to Peers

From the Foundation Blog

 

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