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Washington Clark Hill, M.D. - Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Perinatal Center of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FloridaLow Birth Weight / Infant Mortality
Photo of Washington Clark Hill, M.D.'The most important challenge Americans  face in eliminating the disparity between black and white infant mortality is a research gap: We're just not sure what causes this disparity. We think that infection may be involved, but what causes the discrepancy and what will prevent it? That's where the research needs to go.'
Washington Clark Hill, M.D., finds the fact that African American infants are more likely than white infants to sicken and die before their first birthdays unacceptable. As chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the Perinatal Center of Florida's Sarasota Memorial Hospital, he is uniquely qualified to change these dire statistics, and has devoted his unusual expertise to saving the youngest lives.

After graduating from Temple University School of Medicine in 1965, Dr. Hill embarked upon simultaneous leadership in academic medicine and in social initiatives to end the health disparities that threaten infants. He began a research career with prestigious fellowships and scores of papers illuminating infant health issues. He also has won research awards such as the Creighton School of Medicine Distinguished Continuing Medical Education Faculty Award. He also assumed leadership roles with organizations such as the National Medical Association and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

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