Tulane Pediatrics has been shaping the care of children for nearly two centuries—evolving alongside the city of New Orleans and helping define modern pediatric medicine.
In the early 1800s, children were not treated as a distinct patient population. Care was often provided at home, and physicians rarely specialized in childhood illness. High infant mortality rates reflected the limited understanding of pediatric health at the time.
Tulane’s story began in 1834 with the founding of the Medical College of Louisiana, created to address the region’s urgent health needs. From its earliest days, the institution partnered with Charity Hospital—establishing a tradition of caring for the most vulnerable patients while advancing medical education.
By the late 19th century, Tulane physicians were advocating for dedicated care for children, leading to the creation of specialized hospital wards. This marked a turning point: children were no longer treated simply as “small adults,” but as patients with unique medical needs.
In 1908, Tulane formally established a Department focused on childhood diseases, laying the foundation for today’s Department of Pediatrics. Early leaders helped drive public health innovations in New Orleans, including efforts to improve milk safety and reduce infant mortality—demonstrating a commitment not just to treating illness, but preventing it.
Throughout the 20th century, Tulane Pediatrics grew into a leading academic department, shaped by generations of physician-educators, researchers, and advocates. Faculty contributed to advances in infectious disease, neonatology, and pediatric training, while building programs that attracted students and residents from across the country.
Today, Tulane Pediatrics continues that legacy—combining clinical care, research, and education to improve the health of children locally and globally. Through partnerships across the Gulf South and beyond, the department remains committed to innovation, equity, and excellence in pediatric care.
Evolution of the Pediatrics Department
Department Chairmen
1908-1919
Dr. William Walton Butterworth, Professor of Diseases of Children
Dr. Butterworth was a distinguished physician deeply committed to advancing hygiene, sanitation, and child welfare. He quickly established a strong reputation within the medical community. As chairman, he conducted a comprehensive survey of children's health in New Orleans, revealing that many infant deaths were caused by gastrointestinal infections linked to contaminated milk used in bottle feeding. At the time, there were no regulations governing the storage, dilution, or sale of milk. In some cases, milk suppliers diluted their products with substances such as plaster of Paris or chalk. Dr. Butterworth became a leading advocate for “pure milk” and helped establish the Pure Milk Society, which later evolved into the Child Welfare Association of New Orleans.
In 1915, Tulane School of Medicine began admitting women during Dr. Butterworth’s tenure.
Toward the end of his leadership (1916–1918), the Department of Diseases of Children was renamed the Department of Pediatrics.
1919-1929
Dr. Lawrence Richard DeBuys, Chairman
Dr. Lawrence R. DeBuys served as the second chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. He was highly engaged in professional medical organizations at both local and national levels, including the New Orleans Pure Milk Commission, the Orleans Parish Medical Society, and the Louisiana State Medical Society. He also became the first president of the Louisiana Pediatric Society.
Dr. DeBuys traveled extensively across the United States and internationally (including London, Stockholm, Dresden, and Rome) to elevate the department’s reputation. A prolific scholar, he authored approximately 60 publications on pediatric topics. In 1920, he founded the Newly-Born Service at Touro Infirmary to provide both inpatient and outpatient care for indigent patients.
His pioneering contributions earned him appointment by President Herbert Hoover in 1926 to the original “White House Conference on Child Health and Protection.”
1929-1942
Dr. Robert Alexander Strong, Chairman.
Dr. Robert Alexander Strong joined the Tulane medical faculty in 1911, though his tenure was interrupted in 1917 by service in World War I. During the war, he spent much of his time working in a mobile laboratory railcar known as the “Metchnikoff,” studying outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis in military camps.
During his leadership, the Hutchinson Memorial Building was dedicated in 1930, marking a significant shift in medical education and training facilities.
That same year, Dr. Strong joined 33 other physicians in founding the American Academy of Pediatrics. Under his chairmanship, emphasis grew on the principle that responsibility for newborn care should rest with pediatricians rather than obstetricians.
1942-1966
Dr. Ralph Victor Platou, Chairman.
In 1942, Dr. Platou joined Tulane as the department’s only full-time faculty member, personally overseeing the pediatric ward at Charity Hospital. He was promoted to Chairman in 1944, becoming the department’s fourth leader.
Dr. Platou recruited numerous distinguished faculty members, including Drs. Margaret H.D. Smith, Clifford G. Grulee, Jr., Robert H. Lennox, William Waring, Norman C. Woody, and Donald E. Pickering.
He was known for his slightly tilted bow ties and his ever-present pipe—both memorable aspects of his personality at a time when such habits were common. He was highly regarded by students and house officers, inspiring many to pursue pediatrics and join his residency program.
A member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an editorial board member of Pediatrics, Dr. Platou published nearly 70 papers. His most notable work included studies on congenital syphilis, penicillin treatment, and his well-known article “Johnny Won’t Eat.” Following his death, the Dr. Ralph V. Platou Visiting Lectureship was established in his honor and continues today.
1966-1967
Dr. William Waring, Chairman
Dr. William Waring, a respected pulmonologist, led the Section of Pediatric Pulmonology for many years. He served as interim chairman during a transitional period for the department.
1967-1971
Dr. Norman C. Woody, Acting Chairman of Pediatrics from 1967-71
Dr. Norman Woody was a renowned neonatologist who established Louisiana’s first neonatal fellowship training program. As acting chairman, he received the Owl Club Award for outstanding teaching three times and remains the only faculty member to have received the Gloria P. Walsh Award for excellence in teaching twice (1974 and 1984).
1971-1976
Dr. Harry Cameron Shirkey, Chairman
Dr. Shirkey made significant contributions to pediatric medicine, particularly in pharmacology. He strongly advocated for appropriate medication use in children and developed a groundbreaking drug dosage table that translated adult doses for pediatric patients—a practice still influential today.
At the time, clinical trials for pediatric drug safety were largely nonexistent, and many medications carried “orphaning” warnings against use in children. Dr. Shirkey’s work helped change this paradigm.
A highly sought-after speaker, he lectured widely at national and international meetings. Near the end of his tenure, Tulane University Hospital and its faculty practice plan were developed, laying the groundwork for future growth across the School of Medicine.
1976-1978
Dr. Francis (Frank) A. Puyau, Acting Chairman
Dr. Puyau joined Tulane Pediatrics in 1974 from LSU and assumed the role of acting chairman following Dr. Shirkey’s resignation. A professor of Radiology, Cardiology, and Pediatrics, he was widely respected for his leadership during a challenging time. He also served as co-chairman of the Department of Radiology.
1978-2004
Dr. John E. Lewy, Chairman of Pediatrics 1978-2004.
During Dr. Lewy’s tenure, pediatric subspecialty sections were reorganized, expanded, and strengthened. He led the department for over 25 years and was a passionate advocate for child health and education.
In December 2005, he extended his advocacy internationally, leading a workshop in Benin, West Africa, for pediatricians from 17 countries. The program, modeled after the AAP Legislative Conference, focused on issues affecting children across Africa.
After retiring, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he continued his advocacy through leadership roles in the American Academy of Pediatrics, including chairing the Committee on Federal Government Affairs. The John Lewy, MD Annual Pediatrics Grand Rounds Lecture was established in his honor.
2004-2007
Dr. William Gill, Interim Chairman
Dr. Gill, Section Head of Neonatology and NICU Director, served as interim chairman following Dr. Lewy’s retirement. He played a critical role in stabilizing the department after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and later served as Vice-Chairman from 2007 to 2012.
2007- Present
Dr. Samir El-Dahr, Chairman.
Dr. El-Dahr is the current Chairman of Tulane Pediatrics. A long-standing faculty member, educator, and nephrology researcher, he led the department’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Under his leadership, pediatric services were rebuilt and expanded to address community needs.
He facilitated partnerships with community health centers and schools and helped establish a mobile healthcare unit.
In December 2014, he oversaw the transition of pediatric services to Tulane Lakeside Hospital, creating a dedicated facility for women and children in Jefferson Parish.
On November 1, 2018, Dr. El-Dahr, alongside Dean Lee Hamm, initiated a partnership with Children’s Hospital New Orleans. This collaboration with LCMC Health and LSU Pediatrics has strengthened access to high-quality pediatric care throughout Louisiana.
