Vivian Pinn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vivian Pinn
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Pinn in 2010
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Vivian Winona Pinn
1941 (age 83–84) |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia School of Medicine Wellesley College |
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Vivian Winona Pinn (born 1941) is an American doctor and scientist. She is known for speaking up for women's health. Dr. Pinn worked to make sure that medical studies funded by the government included female patients. She also encouraged women to pursue careers in medicine and science.
She was the first director of the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Office of Research on Women's Health. This office helps make sure women's health is studied properly. Before working at NIH, Dr. Pinn taught at several universities. After retiring from NIH in 2011, she continued her work as a senior scientist.
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Early Life and Education
Vivian Winona Pinn was born in 1941 on a farm in Halifax, Virginia. She went to schools that were separated by race in Lynchburg, Virginia. From a young age, around four years old, Vivian wanted to be a doctor. She helped her grandparents with their health needs, which included giving them insulin shots. She saw how much better they felt after seeing a doctor.
Vivian's family, who were teachers, encouraged her to study hard. She graduated from high school as the top student in her class. She chose to attend Wellesley College and received a scholarship. She earned a degree in zoology in 1962.
During college, Vivian took time off to care for her mother. Her mother was very sick with cancer that had spread. This experience made Vivian even more determined to become a doctor. She decided she would always listen carefully to her patients.
In 1967, Dr. Pinn earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She was the only woman and the only African-American student in her class. She had planned to become a children's doctor. However, a summer job at Massachusetts General Hospital changed her path. There, she researched how the body's defense system works and organ transplants. This work led to her interest in studying kidney diseases and transplants. She completed her training in pathology at Mass General. Pathology is the study of diseases.
Career in Pathology
In 1970, Dr. Pinn joined the pathology department at Tufts University School of Medicine. She worked as an assistant professor and helped students as an assistant dean. Tufts University has honored her many times for her 12 years of service there.
In 1982, Dr. Pinn became a professor and head of the pathology department at Howard University Hospital. She was the third woman and the first African-American woman to lead a pathology department in the United States.
In 1989, Dr. Pinn became the president of the National Medical Association (NMA). The NMA is the oldest and largest group for African-American doctors and health workers in the U.S. It was started in 1895 and represents over 30,000 African-American doctors.
Women's Health at the NIH
In 1991, Dr. Pinn was chosen to be the first director of the new Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She also became the first permanent NIH associate director for women's health research. The ORWH was created to improve how NIH studies, prevents, diagnoses, and treats illnesses in women. The office also makes sure that women are included in all important medical studies.
For 20 years, Dr. Pinn used her role to raise awareness about women's health issues. She also worked to increase the number of women in science and medicine around the world. She was known for making sure that government-funded medical studies included female patients. She also encouraged more women to become doctors and scientists.
In 1998, Dr. Pinn met with Sarah, Duchess of York, at NIH. They discussed important health topics for women. These included the Women's Health Initiative, obesity, breast cancer, and bone weakening (osteoporosis).
In 2010, Dr. Pinn gave a speech about health problems for women and children in cities. She explained that as more people move to cities, local governments sometimes struggle to provide enough housing, clean water, and electricity. This can lead to ongoing health issues.
In 2011, Dr. Pinn met with actress Geena Davis and other NIH staff. They talked about how girls and women are shown in children's movies, TV shows, and video games. They discussed ways to show genders more fairly. They believed this could improve everyone's overall health.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Pinn received a Candace Award in 1990. This award is given by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
In 2000, she received the Margaret E. Mahoney Award for Outstanding Service. This award recognized her work to improve healthcare for women.
In 2005, Dr. Pinn gave the main speech at the University of Virginia's graduation ceremony. She was the first African-American woman to do so. She spoke about the challenges she faced during her medical studies in the 1960s. She told the graduates to focus on the bigger meanings of life's experiences. She encouraged them to build a positive view of challenges and celebrate overcoming them.
In 2011, Tufts University School of Medicine honored Dr. Pinn. They named their Office of Student Affairs after her. They also started a scholarship fund in her name. She also received the Dean's Medal of Honor, the highest award from Tufts Medical School. This medal is given to people whose service has greatly helped the school. Dr. Pinn was a mentor and helped recruit students of color. She also worked to expand financial aid for students.
In 2013, Dr. Pinn received the Foremother Award. This award from the National Center for Health Research recognized her important work for women's lives in the U.S. In 2021, she was chosen as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Retirement Years
Since retiring from ORWH in 2011, Dr. Pinn has continued to support scientific research. She strongly advocates for including women, women scientists, and minority groups in all types of medical research. She continues to work as a senior scientist at the Fogarty International Center.
Senator Olympia Snowe honored Dr. Pinn by reading a statement about her into the Congressional Record. This statement recognized Dr. Pinn's public service and dedication to women's health. It also highlighted her leadership in research and education.
See also
In Spanish: Vivian Pinn para niños
