Lila Wallis

Lila Wallis (August 1, 1921 – January 3, 2013) was a pioneering American physician and educator, renowned for her contributions to women's health and her role in founding the American Medical Women's Association.

Early Life and Education

Lila Wallis was born in Kraków, Poland, in 1921. She immigrated to the United States in 1936, escaping the growing tensions in Europe. Wallis pursued her undergraduate studies at Hunter College, where she graduated with honors. She then attended the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, earning her medical degree in 1947.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Wallis began her residency in internal medicine at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. She quickly became known for her dedication to patient care and her interest in women's health issues. Wallis was a trailblazer in the field of internal medicine, focusing on the unique health needs of women at a time when such specialization was rare.

Contributions to Women's Health

Lila Wallis was instrumental in advancing the field of women's health. She was a vocal advocate for the inclusion of women's health in medical education and practice. Wallis founded the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) to support women in medicine and to address the health needs of women more broadly.

Wallis also developed the "Wallis Protocol," a comprehensive approach to women's health that emphasized preventive care and patient education. Her work laid the foundation for modern women's health practices and inspired many to pursue careers in this field.

Academic and Teaching Career

In addition to her clinical work, Wallis was a dedicated educator. She served as a professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, where she taught and mentored countless medical students and residents. Her teaching emphasized the importance of compassionate care and the need to address the specific health concerns of women.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Wallis received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to medicine and women's health. She was a recipient of the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal, awarded by the AMWA for outstanding contributions to the advancement of women in medicine.

Legacy

Lila Wallis's legacy is one of advocacy, education, and innovation in women's health. Her work continues to influence medical practice and education, ensuring that women's health remains a priority in the medical community.

Also see

• American Medical Women's Association
• Women's health
• Internal medicine
• Weill Cornell Medical College