Awards & Recognition

Dr. Nelson receives Virginia S. Lang medal

Before our weekly grand rounds, Dr. Michael Nelson stopped by to receive his medal, from his previous tenure as the Virginia S. Lang Chair. The position was recently bestowed upon Dr. Anthony Odibo. This service award is given to physicians who have done outstanding work in their field.  Barnes-Jewish President, Dr. John Lynch, presented Dr. Nelson the gift. We are ecstatic to highlight the physicians who progress in the field of medicine.

Dr. Nelson was a Maternal-Fetal medicine specialist, professor, Interim Chair, and director of research for our department before his retirement. He currently resides as an Emeritus Professor of ObGyn and continues research collaborations. His discoveries have revolutionized the understanding of how blood proteins are transported through the placenta from mother to fetus, and how enzyme production can constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure.

WashU ObGyn has named their new alumni society of honor of Dr Nelson, you can read more about it here


About the Virginia S. Lang Chair

A gift from Ira and Virginia Lang established the Virginia S. Lang Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1988. 

Mrs. Virginia Lang was the founder and operator of an employment agency and temporary placement services. She is known as one of the foremost businesswomen in St. Louis. She was a regular volunteer at surrounding organizations, incShe married Ira Lang, owner of a dress manufacturing business (Lang-Kohn, Inc). After Mrs. Lang passed, her estate was left unrestricted to the St. Louis Community Foundation, enabling the proceeds to generously contribute to numerous nonprofit organizations in our area.