Frederick D. Peterson, MD, a professor of clinical pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine, passed away last month at the age of 85. A longtime influential presence at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Dr. Peterson began his affiliation with the university in 1957 as an intern and ultimately ascended to professor of clinical pediatrics in 1992. Dr. Peterson also maintained a private practice for more than three decades.
Dr. Peterson was instrumental in helping to establish the Community Office Practice Experience (COPE) program, which provides to medical residents training with practicing physicians. He received numerous awards, including the School of Medicine’s Faculty Achievement Award in 1992.
“Dr. Fred Peterson was a dedicated pediatrician, teacher and mentor who will be missed by his many patients and their families and by his colleagues,” said F. Sessions Cole, MD, the Park J. White Professor of Pediatrics, assistant vice chancellor for children’s health and director of the Division of Newborn Medicine. “He contributed to the School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital through his teaching, his leadership and his commitment to children.”
