Deborah A. Driscoll

Deborah A. Driscoll
Born
Cos Cob, Connecticut, US
Spouse
Christos B. Coutifaris
​
​
(m. 1987)​
Academic background
EducationBS, Smith College
MD, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
Academic work
InstitutionsPerelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Deborah Anne Driscoll is an American reproductive geneticist. She is the Luigi Mastroianni Jr. Professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Early life and education

Driscoll was born to William V. Driscoll, the former vice president of the American Paper Institute, in Cos Cob, Connecticut.[1] Growing up, she worked as a candy striper in the hospital gift shop, the lunch counter, and laundry room when she was in ninth grade. Despite her mother's original reservations, Driscoll's grandmother inspired her to pursue a career in medicine.[2] She graduated from Smith College and New York University Grossman School of Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.[1] While waiting to enroll at medical school, Driscoll accepted a position at Rockefeller University working on sickle cell anemia.[2]

Career

Following her residency, Driscoll joined the faculty at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1984.[3] During her tenure at Perelman, Driscoll became known for her research on the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome[4] and for her expertise on genetic screening and the care of women with genetic conditions.[5] She was promoted to Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2005[6] and was the recipient of the Perelman's Distinguished Graduate and Alumni Service Award.[7] In 2010, Driscoll was elected to the National Academy of Medicine (then called the Institute of Medicine) for being "considered one of the world’s leading obstetrician-gynecologist geneticists...for her expertise in adolescent gynecology and the care of women with genetic disorders."[5]

While serving as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2014 - 2018, Driscoll was elected president of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology becoming the first woman president in the organization's history.[8][9] A few years later, she received the Group on Women in Medicine and Science 2017 Leadership Award for an Individual[10] and 2018 Elizabeth Kirk Rose Award.[11] In 2019, Driscoll became the Senior Vice President for the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania and Vice Dean for Professional Services in the Perelman School of Medicine.[12]

Personal life

Driscoll married Christos B. Coutifaris in 1987 in a Greek Orthodox ceremony[1] and they have two children together.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c "DR. DEBORAH A. DRISCOLL BECOMES BRIDE OF DR. CHRISTOS COUTIFARIS IN STAMFORD". The New York Times. October 25, 1987. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Sapega, Sally (April 2, 2019). "#WomenofPenn: Reshaping a Department Through Research, Innovation, and Advocacy — A Conversation with Deborah Driscoll". University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  3. ^ "Lindback and Provost's Awards: Sketches of the 2004 Winners". University of Pennsylvania. April 13, 2004. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  4. ^ Driscoll, Deborah A. (January 1, 2001). "Prenatal diagnosis of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome". Nature. 3 (1): 14–18. doi:10.1097/00125817-200101000-00004. PMID 11339370. S2CID 38184558.
  5. ^ a b "Four Honored with IOM Membership". University of Pennsylvania. December 6, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  6. ^ "Corrections to Faculty Promotions/Appointments". University of Pennsylvania. October 25, 2005. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  7. ^ "Honors & Other Things". University of Pennsylvania. July 14, 2009. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  8. ^ "American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Names New President". PR Newswire. October 22, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  9. ^ "ABOG's New Board Officers, Chairs of Subspecialty Divisions, and Subspecialty Division Members Officially Begin Terms". RNewswire. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  10. ^ "Deborah Driscoll Receives Womens Leadership Award from Association of American Medical Colleges". University of Pennsylvania. November 3, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  11. ^ "Recognizing a Champion for Women Everywhere". University of Pennsylvania. 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  12. ^ "Leadership Transitions for Drs. Deborah A. Driscoll and Peter D. Quinn". University of Pennsylvania. September 5, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2021.