Dr. Lewis First is a professor and chair of the department of pediatrics at UVM Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics of Golisano Children’s Hospital at University of Vermont Health. Dr. First has led the department of pediatrics since 1994, making him the longest-serving current chair of a pediatric department in the nation. Under his leadership, the department has gained national and international recognition for its high quality, state-of-the-art child-friendly, family-centered clinical care, as well as its excellence in teaching, research and advocacy for children.
A nationally respected medical educator with experience in pediatric emergency medicine, hospital medicine and primary care, Dr. First served for 16+ years as Editor-in-Chief of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the most widely cited pediatric journal in the world. He also spent over two decades serving in committee and leadership roles for the National Board of Medical Examiners and is now Chair Emeritus and Member for Life. He has received numerous prestigious national and university awards honoring his contributions to education, mentoring, and leadership.
Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. First is a passionate advocate for children’s health in the community. Since 1995, he has reached families across the region through his long-running television and radio health education segments, “First with Kids”, earning national and statewide recognition for his commitment to child wellness.