Dr. Ralph D. Feigin, renowned pediatrician, dies at 70

Ralph D. Feigin, MD, Physician-in-Chief at Texas Children's Hospital for more than three decades and an internationally renowned expert in pediatric infectious diseases, died on August 14 of lung cancer. He was 70.

An advocate for child health in the US and around the globe, Dr. Feigin's work led to greater immunization rates in Texas and across the nation. His advocacy for the Children's Health Insurance Program helped it become a reality, as did his support for the Baylor Pediatric AIDS initiative, which ensures international care for children with HIV/AIDS.

Both the Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital gained significant prominence in pediatric patient care, basic research, and training under his leadership. He also trained half of the pediatricians currently practicing in Harris County, Texas.

Dr. Feigin authored or co-authored seminal textbooks in the fields of pediatrics and infectious diseases, including Textbook of Pediatric Diseases and Oski's Pediatrics: Principles and Practice, and served as Associate Editor of Pediatrics. He also published over 500 articles or chapters in journals and books. This summer, members of the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics dedicated the 28th edition of the Red Book to Dr. Feigin in recognition of his contributions to that publication and the field of pediatric infectious diseases.

Dr. Feigin is survived by his wife, Judith Zobel Feigin, EdD; two daughters, one son, and their spouses; and six grandchildren. Gifts in Dr. Feigin's memory may be made to the Ralph D. Feigin Memorial Fund at http://www.rememberingdrfeigin.org/.