Mel Avery: Mentor, role model, friend, mother of us all

Abstract

Dr. Mary Ellen Avery, affectionately known as "Mel," was a woman of courage, with a sense of humor and deep humanity. She was an intellectual powerhouse, highly creative, and productive, similar to many leaders. Yet she became the most beloved mentor for many. Here, I share some personal memories hoping to inspire others juggling life and career responsibilities. I first met Mel in 1977 when she taught our Harvard Medical School (HMS) class about respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). She held a critical audience entirely captive, listening with rapt attention. In 1979, while I was doing a medical school rotation in obstetrics at St. Thomas's Hospital in London, Mel visited as Grand Rounds speaker. A gracious guest, she cited recent work by St. Thomas's faculty. Always do your homework! she later said. She was also hospitable. Mel hosted Mother Teresa when the sister received an honorary degree at Harvard in 1982. Later, at Children's Hospital (CHMC), she hosted Mildred Stahlman, who was the first to ventilate a baby. Originally competitors, Mel and Millie had become good friends.