Terrie Inder (center), the inaugural Mary Ellen Avery Professor of Pediatrics in the Field of Newborn Medicine, celebrated with Jeffrey Flier and Elizabeth Nabel. Image: Gretchen Ertl
Terrie Inder (center), the inaugural Mary Ellen Avery Professor of Pediatrics in the Field of Newborn Medicine, celebrated with Jeffrey Flier and Elizabeth Nabel. Image: Gretchen Ertl
In a May 1 ceremony at Harvard Medical School’s Gordon Hall of Medicine, HMS Dean Jeffrey S. Flier recognized Terrie Inder as the first incumbent of the Mary Ellen Avery Professorship in Pediatrics in the Field of Newborn Medicine.
“Dr. Inder, we are so pleased to have you as a member of our faculty and to honor you with the distinguished title of Mary Ellen Avery Professor of Pediatrics in the Field of Newborn Medicine—a title that carries with it the prestige of Dr. Avery’s groundbreaking career as a researcher, leader and pioneering figure in the field of pediatrics,” said Flier. “I look forward to the Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine’s accomplishments under your leadership.”
Inder was recruited from Washington University by Brigham and Women’s Hospital President Elizabeth Nabel to serve as chair of the newly established Department of Newborn Medicine. At Washington University, Inder was a professor of pediatrics, neurology and radiology, and director of both the neonatal development research team and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center.
Her leadership and mentorship work earned her the Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist Award, given to outstanding physician-scientists committed to cultivating future investigators who will bridge the gap between bench science and clinical research.
“The establishment of prestigious professorships such as this one has strengthened the partnership between the Brigham and Harvard, ensuring that esteemed faculty at the helm of the Hospital’s clinical departments are recognized with named Harvard professorships. Our institutions are bolstered by this commitment, our partnership is enhanced, and for that, we remain deeply grateful,” said Flier.
The professorship was established by Brigham and Women’s in honor of the late Mary Ellen Avery, who served as chair of the HMS Department of Pediatrics from 1974–1985.
“Beyond her successes as a leader and researcher, Dr. Avery was a dedicated mentor to the next generation of pediatric doctors—a trait that is shared by our incumbent,” said Flier.
