WALTHAM – Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a physician
at Mass General Brigham and an internationally recognized expert in obesity medicine, has been honored by the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) as the 2021 recipient of the Grant V. Rodkey Award, an honor recognizing a Massachusetts physician for
outstanding contributions to medical education and medical students.
Stanford, a researcher with a focus on obesity, health policy and health disparities, is an assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and is the first woman of color to win the Rodkey award.
“Dr. Stanford is always there to celebrate my wins and support me during my toughest days,” said LaShyra “Lash” Nolan, a Harvard Medical School (HMS) student and the first Black woman ever elected as president of HMS. “When I published my first, first
author piece she was the one who saved a copy and mailed it to my home. Whenever I reach a new milestone, she goes out of her way to call or text. When I am frustrated or confused by the sexism and racism I encounter in my everyday life as a Black
female medical student, she is always there to listen, advise, and lift me up.”
Stanford is an accomplished leader with several major medical organizations, including the MMS, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, The Obesity Society, American Medical Women’s Association, and
the American Medical Association.
The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) is the statewide professional association for physicians and medical students, supporting 25,000 members. We are dedicated to educating and advocating for the physicians of Massachusetts and patients locally and nationally. A leadership voice in health care, the MMS contributes physician and patient perspectives to influence health-related legislation at the state and federal levels, works in support of public health, provides expert advice on physician practice management, and addresses issues of physician well-being. Under the auspices of the NEJM Group, the MMS extends our mission globally by advancing medical knowledge from research to patient care through the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM Catalyst, and the NEJM Journal Watch family of specialty publications, and through our education products for health care professionals: NEJM Knowledge+, NEJM Resident 360, and our accredited and comprehensive continuing medical education programs.
