Dr. Deborah Frank Honored by Massachusetts Medical Society

Dr. Deborah Frank, professor of pediatrics and director of the Grow Clinic for Children at Boston Medical Center, has been honored by the Massachusetts Medical Society as the 2020 recipient of the society’s Special Award for Excellence in Medical Service.

The award honors a physician who has made a distinguished demonstration of compassion and dedication to the medical needs of his or her patients and the general public.

A champion for those most affected by social determinants of health, Dr. Frank established the first hospital-based food pantry in the United States, BMC’s Preventive Food Pantry.

Dr. Frank, a graduate of Harvard Medical School and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is renowned for her work in child growth and development, particularly with those from underserved communities. She also is a founding member of Children’s Health Watch, a nonpartisan network of pediatricians, public health researchers, and children’s health and policy experts.

“During the 12 years that I have worked as a physician in the Grow Clinic for Children at Boston Medical center, I have seen first-hand the impact that Dr. Frank has had on our patients,” Dr. Caroline Kistin said. “In addition, her commitment to family-centered advocacy and policy change has fundamentally altered the way we deliver health care and address social and structural determinants of health – both within our institution and around the country.”