A Tribute to Steven J. Parker, MD, FAAP

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Fall 2009 SODBP Newsletter

A Tribute to Steven J. Parker, MD, FAAP

Dr. Steven J. Parker passed away on Monday, April 13, 2009, unexpectedly of complications of cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Karen Parker, his brother Philip Parker, MD and his wife Fran of West Bloomfield, Michigan, niece Rebekah and nephew Daniel. He is also survived and remembered by many friends, colleagues, and patients. Dr Parker graduated from Cornell University, University of Michigan Medical School, and completed pediatric residency at Stanford University Hospital. He completed a fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Boston with T. Berry Brazelton in child development. He started his career in private pediatric practice but after 3 years joined the faculty at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center (BMC) (the former Boston City Hospital) and he became Director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics in 1994, a position he served for over 13 years. He founded and directed the Comprehensive Care Program at BMC - a national model in family centered care for children with developmental disabilities. Dr Parker trained hundreds of young resident pediatricians as well as post graduate fellows in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics who are now continuing his work nationally providing the next generation of pediatricians with the knowledge and skills of early childhood development. He published many scientific articles on children’s development and behavior and was Co-Editor of one of the most successful books for doctors on this subject, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: A Handbook for Primary Care, now in its second edition. He was Co-Director of Healthy Steps, a $40 million national experiment that improved the pediatric quality care by placing an early childhood specialist in pediatric practice to promote children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development to complement doctors’ efforts on physical health. He co-authored Baby and Child Carewith Dr. Benjamin Spock, the last physician to collaborate directly with Dr. Spock on that book. Dr. Parker followed in the foot-steps of Dr. Spock and his mentor, Dr. Brazelton, by sharing his wisdom directly with parents as the voice of pediatrics for Web MD. His compassion, wisdom, and insight in supporting children and families across Boston and the country will not be forgotten. He was beloved by patients, families, and colleagues.