Leah Lowenstein

American physician and medical school dean

Leah Lowenstein

Leah Miriam Lowenstein (June 17, 1930 – March 6, 1984) was a pioneering American physician, nephrologist, and medical school dean. She was the first woman to serve as the dean of a co-educational, American medical school, specifically at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Early life and education

Leah Lowenstein was born in New York City, New York, to a family deeply rooted in the medical profession. Her father was a physician, which inspired her early interest in medicine. She attended Barnard College, where she graduated with a degree in chemistry. She then pursued her medical degree at Yale School of Medicine, where she was one of the few women in her class.

Medical career

After completing her medical degree, Lowenstein specialized in nephrology, the branch of medicine that deals with the physiology and diseases of the kidneys. She completed her residency and fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital and became known for her research in kidney function and disease.

Lowenstein held various academic positions, including a faculty position at Tufts University School of Medicine. Her work in nephrology was widely recognized, and she contributed to numerous publications in the field.

Dean of Jefferson Medical College

In 1981, Lowenstein was appointed as the dean of Jefferson Medical College, making history as the first woman to hold such a position at a co-educational medical school in the United States. Her tenure as dean was marked by her commitment to medical education reform and her advocacy for women in medicine.

During her time at Jefferson, Lowenstein worked to increase diversity among the student body and faculty. She was a strong proponent of integrating more humanities into the medical curriculum, believing that a well-rounded education was essential for future physicians.

Legacy and impact

Leah Lowenstein's contributions to medicine and medical education have left a lasting impact. She was a trailblazer for women in medicine, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female physicians and medical educators.

Her leadership at Jefferson Medical College set a precedent for other institutions to follow, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in medical education. Lowenstein's work continues to inspire those in the medical field, particularly women who aspire to leadership roles.

Personal life

Lowenstein was married to Dr. Jerome Lowenstein, a fellow physician, and they had two children. She was known for her dedication to her family and her profession, balancing both with grace and determination.

Death

Leah Lowenstein passed away on March 6, 1984, after a battle with cancer. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the advancements she made in medical education.

Related pages

• Jefferson Medical College
• Nephrology
• Women in medicine