Lynn M. Taussig, MD

A pioneer in developing the subspecialty of pediatric pulmonology, Lynn M. Taussig, MD, has had an exceptional career of teaching, research, and public service. Currently, he serves as Special Advisor to the Provost (for Life Sciences) at the University of Denver, and professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Dr. Taussig retired in 2006 after more than 12 years as President and CEO of National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, an independent, non-sectarian, not-for-profit research, clinical, and educational institution. It is the only medical and research center in the United States devoted entirely to respiratory, allergic, and immune system diseases, including asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, severe allergies, AIDS, cancer, and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus. For nine consecutive years, National Jewish has been ranked as the number one respiratory hospital in the country according to US News and World Report. The institution is also ranked as one of the most influential research facilities in the world for immunology.

Prior to assuming his position at National Jewish, Dr. Taussig was at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, where he established the Pediatric Pulmonary Section, served as professor of pediatrics, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, and Director of the Steele Memorial Children’s Research Center. He secured 19 years of consecutive NIH research funding, and, in 1980, began the Tucson Children’s Respiratory Study, a major longitudinal study of the risk factors for asthma that continues today.