Vivian Pinn

Vivian Pinn is a prominent medical doctor and researcher in the field of pathology. She is best known for her work in advocating for women's health issues and minorities in the medical profession.

Early Life and Education

Vivian Pinn was born in Halifax County, Virginia in 1941. She attended segregated schools and was the only girl in her high school class to express an interest in becoming a doctor. Pinn earned her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College in 1963 and her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1967, where she was the only African American and the only woman in her class.

Career

After completing her residency in pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Pinn began her career as a faculty member at Tufts University and Howard University. In 1982, she became the chair of the Department of Pathology at Howard University, making her the first woman to hold such a position in the United States.

In 1991, Pinn was appointed as the first full-time director of the Office of Research on Women's Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During her tenure, she advocated for the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials and promoted research on diseases that disproportionately affect women.

Awards and Honors

Pinn has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to medicine and public health. These include the Elizabeth Blackwell Award from the American Medical Women's Association and the Public Health Service Superior Service Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Legacy

Pinn's work has had a significant impact on the field of women's health research. Her advocacy for the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials has led to a greater understanding of how diseases affect different populations.