Mildred T. Stahlman, MD, who pioneered the treatment of lung disease in premature infants and who was a tireless advocate of children of all ages, died over the weekend. She was 101 years old. During her incredible career, she helped establish the nation’s first newborn intensive care unit here at Vanderbilt, which used monitored respiratory therapy in babies born with damaged lungs. She also established Vanderbilt’s Division of Neonatology. “Dr. Stahlman was pioneering in so many ways. Refusing to accept the poor outcomes of babies born prematurely, she forged new methods to support their survival while upending the field of neonatology. Throughout her life, she generously supported numerous programs and services that have advanced our mission,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. During a 2009 lecture to medical students, Stahlman was asked what advice she had for doctors in training. Stahlman answered: “What I would hope that I could convince you of is that if you are ever going to practice medicine, the first thing you have to learn is charity. What is charity? Charity is unqualified love.” According to Stahlman’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. You can read more about her life and career below. https://bit.ly/3zqNzaY
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It would be impossible to quantify the value of her impact on society, but I'd encourage everyone to take a minute to read the article linked above. The McChesney family is eternally grateful for the pioneering work of Dr. Stahlman; and for the legacy of exceptional care she created that still exists today. Bailey (Garrett) McChesney
Love the quote and so relevant today, “charity is unqualified love”.
My son learned to breathe on his own in the Stahlman NICU. I am very thankful for her life and dedication!
Dr. Stahlman has touched so many lives, infants, parents, families, medical learners to senior most faculty. She touched us all.
My goodness, a true legend. I’ve been privileged in my life and career to meet a few people who legitimately changed the entire world, and Dr. Stahlman was one of them. No one was as fierce an advocate for the tiniest and most fragile humans, or for advancing our knowledge of how to care for them.
Dr. Stahlman (center), Dr. Lloyd H. Ramsey (right)…friends and colleagues. 1957
An amazing teacher, researcher and mentor…The Mother of Neonatology will be missed.
“Tireless advocate” is a perfect description of her work. So many lives saved. We remember her now in this memoriam. Rest well good Doctor.
I am blessed to have known her. She propelled me to enter graduate school and I am forever grateful.
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1wDr. Mildred Stahlman certainly had an impact on me: she saved my life! I was born at Vanderbilt with a lung condition and all my life my father told the story of how the first time he saw me it was in Dr Stahlman's arms as she rushed me from delivery to a care room. Rest in peace Dr. Stahlman and THANK YOU.