Page 5 CDU Newsletter
Summer 2023
Dr . Prothrow-Stith Honored by Black Women Lead Project
Dr . Deborah Prothrow-Stith , CDU College of Medicine Dean , was among 200 Black women leaders honored at the Massachusetts State House for their contributions and stewardship in the city of Boston .
Part of the celebration of this honor included each honoree having their portrait created for eventual placement on banners that will hang from the light poles along Blue Hill Avenue in Boston .
“ I am truly honored by this recognition . The forty years that I lived and worked in Boston were formative for me ,” said Dr . Prothrow-Stith upon learning about the achievement . “ Teamwork was responsible for all accomplishments and for any successes during my time leading the Department of Public Health . I am grateful to Governor Dukakis for my appointment to DPH and to all the wonderful people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for their commitment to health and health care . I am and will always be grateful .”
Dr . Prothrow-Stith is an internationally recognized public health leader who has made significant contributions to Boston and beyond .
As a pioneering physician in inner-city Boston , she defined youth violence as a public health issue .
At Harvard School of Public Health , she held the Henry Pickering Walcott Professorship and was Associate Dean for Diversity . Dr . Prothrow-Stith established the Division of Public Health Practice , securing substantial grants for public health programs .
A s t h e fi r s t f e m a l e Commissioner of Public Health for Massachusetts , she led a large department and
implemented groundbreaking initiatives , including the nation ’ s first Office of Violence Prevention within a state public health department .
Her accomplishments were honored with induction into the Massachusetts Medical Society ’ s honor roll of women physicians in 2015 .
The Black Women Lead Honorary Committee selected honorees who have been tirelessly working since the 1700s to improve the greater Boston area .
The selected women were trailblazers , being the first African American women to achieve various milestones and significant breakthroughs in various fields .
These exceptional women were carefully chosen and represent diverse fields and backgrounds , showcasing leadership in every aspect of life .