Media Center: Press Release

New York, NY—Paul Blumenthal, MD, MPH, has dedicated his career to advancing reproductive rights and health for women throughout the world.  Today, in recognition of Dr. Blumenthal’s extraordinary commitment to teaching, research, and advocacy, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH) will present him with the 2008 Kenneth J. Ryan, MD, Physician Leadership Award.  Named for one of PRCH’s founding members, this award is given each year to a doctor who exemplifies leadership in the field of reproductive health.

Dr. Blumenthal’s research has focused on innovative uses of medical technology, especially in resource-poor settings.  His research has helped improve the provision of reproductive healthcare in more than 20 countries, focusing on areas like cervical cancer prevention, contraception, and abortion.  Dr. Blumenthal recently established a Kenneth J. Ryan Residency Training Program at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, where he is professor of obstetrics and gynecology.

“Dr. Blumenthal is highly regarded as a teacher and mentor, and as one of the world’s experts in reproductive health,” notes his colleague Jonathan Berek, MD, MMS.  “He is dedicated to training medical students, residents and fellows here at Stanford, and spends considerable time abroad training and educating the international health community.”

PRCH will present Dr. Blumenthal with the Kenneth J. Ryan, MD, Physician Leadership Award during a luncheon May 6 at the 56th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in New Orleans.  Malcolm Potts, MB, BChir, PhD, FRCOG, will deliver a keynote address on “The End of Patriarchy.”