This page is dedicated to Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence ’49M (MD), ’58M (Res), Professor Emerita of Pediatrics, in celebration of her 100th birthday.
To honor Dr. Lawrence’s many lifetime achievements, her innovation in care for women and children, and her connection with the University of Rochester, the Ruth A. Lawrence Educational Fund was generously endowed by the Lawrence family in June 2024. The fund will support the educational efforts of the Division of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine, both in its effort to expand fellowship-based training across the world and in local efforts to graduate learners at all levels with a solid foundation in breastfeeding knowledge.
Dr. Lawrence is a beloved teacher of numerous leaders in the field of lactation and has connections all over the globe. Her tireless work led to the development of the first-ever formal fellowship in academic breastfeeding medicine in 2014. In 2020, she retired as an Emerita Professor of Pediatrics and UR Medicine’s Division of Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine got its name: “The Ruth A. Lawrence Program in Lactation Medicine.” We are proud to continue Dr. Lawrence’s legacy on her 100th birthday through the establishment of dedicated funds that will foster a lifelong passion in the field of research and clinical care in breastfeeding and lactation.
Dr. Lawrence impacted countless individuals throughout her extraordinary career. On this momentous occasion, we invite you to reflect on Dr. Lawrence’s legacy and to consider a donation to the Ruth A. Lawrence Educational Fund.
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- American Academy of Pediatrics Oral History Project, Ruth A. Lawrence, MD, Interviewed by Lori Feldman-Winter, MD: PDF
- Profiles in Perseverance – Ruth A. Lawrence, MD: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/rochester-medicine/profiles-in-perseverance-ruth-a-lawrence
- Lawrence’s Legacy: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/breastfeeding-lactation-medicine/dr-lawrence-s-legacy.aspx
- UR Medicine Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine LILAC Fellowship: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/breastfeeding-lactation-medicine/breastfeeding-fellowship.aspx
- Celebrating a Century: The Remarkable Journey of Dr. Ruth Lawrence: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/celebrating-a-century-the-remarkable-journey-of-dr-ruth-lawrence
“Dr. Lawrence, Happy 100th Birthday! We thank you for your contributions to improving outcomes for birthing individuals, babies, and their families. Congratulations on an amazing career in medicine.”
– Tracy Webber
“Congratulations Dr. Lawrence! You are a truly remarkable person,so poised, so stately, so soft spoken.. A truly brilliant woman, I am so honored to know you. God bless you always!”
– Kathleen Guarino
“Happy 100th! You taught me so much; I’m inspired constantly with your knowledge and kindness. Through your words, I helped many other peers in PR understand the importance of protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding for all. Grateful for having spent many weekends in the AAP involved with breastfeeding education. I cherish the memories when you visited us in PR. My warmest embrace and I will dedicate next Sunday’s mass in your honor.”
– Yvette Piovanetti
“Dear Dr Lawrence, Thank you with all my heart for your legacy, for your effort, for your wisdom and for your work for lactation. I have met you briefly in a few international meetings but you inspired me from the beginning of my career in breastfeeding medicine. I am honored to have met you. You are a great woman and person and scientist! Thank you!”
– Maria Teresa Hernandez Aguilar
“Dear Dr Lawrence, I hope you had an amazing celebration this past weekend on a truly momentous event – your 100th birthday. You have been a pillar and an inspiration for all who met you and listened to your wisdom in our early years of breastfeeding medicine. Thank you for your enthusiasm and generosity and may you receive every blessing on your special day.”
– Yvonne LeFort MD, Auckland, New Zealand
“Dr. Ruth Lawrence has been a trailblazer in the field of breastfeeding medicine and our north star for doctors who specialize in promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. It is a blessing to have learned from you, be mentored by you, and continue to be inspired by you.”
– Lori Feldman-Winter
