AAI In Memoriam

Ruth Kirschstein

Longtime AAI Member Ruth Kirschstein Remembered

Fond, Admiring Remembrances Abound for Pioneering NIH Scientist and Administrator, Recipient of 2002 AAI Public Service Award

In the wake of her October 2009 death, Ruth L. Kirschstein, M.D., AAI '65, was the subject of a wide range of remembrances issuing from many corners within the scientific community and beyond. Tributes on various NIH and National Library of Medicine websites, profiles in leading newspapers and scientific publications, and blog entries posted by colleagues, former mentees, and other admirers attest to her remarkable career and to the extraordinary professional and personal impact she had on so many.

Tributes included the day-long NIH celebration, "A Tribute to Ruth L. Kirschstein, M.D.: Inspiring the Best in Others," held on May 17, 2010.

Linked below are additional publications and resources (past interviews; video tribute; archived photos; etc.) highlighting Dr. Kirschstein's life and work.

• AAI: Ruth Kirschstein Receives 2002 AAI Public Service Award
• National Library of Medicine: Changing the Face of Medicine (Dr. Ruth Kirschstein Biography)
• National Library of Medicine: Dr. Ruth Kirschstein Interview (Video)
• National Library of Medicine: NIH Loses an Icon -- Ruth Kirschstein, First Woman Director of an NIH Institute and Twice Acting Director of NIH, Dies
• NIH: Statement from the NIH Director regarding Dr. Ruth Kirschstein
• NIH: Always There: The Remarkable Life of Ruth Lillian Kirschstein, M.D.
• NIH Almanac: Deputy Directors - Biographical Sketches
• NIGMS Blog: Remembering Ruth Kirschstein
• TheScientist.com: Ruth Kirschstein Dies
  Bob Grant, Staff Writer, October 8, 2009
• Washington Post Obituary: Pathologist Helped Ensure Vaccines' Safety
  Patricia Sullivan, The Washington Post, October 17, 2009