T. Franklin Williams, MD, began his career as a subspecialist in diabetes. He later turned to geriatrics, developing the distinguished program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he served as professor of medicine and professor of preventative and rehabilitative medicine. Dr. Williams also served as Medical Director of Monroe Community Hospital from 1968 to 1983.
Dr. Williams served as the second Director of the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health from 1983 to 1991. In 1995, he was appointed Distinguished Physician at the Canandaigua, NY, Veterans Administration Medical Center by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. From 1992 through 2002, he aslo served as the Scientific Director of the American Federation for Aging Research. Dr. Williams returned to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and Monroe Community Hospital in 1991, where he remains an active scholar and leader.
A member of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Dr. Williams has received numerous awards, including: the Edward Henderson Award of the American Geriatrics Society; the Freeman and Kent Awards of the Gerontological Society of America; the Distinguished Service Medal of the US Public Health Service; and, together with Robert Butler, MD, the IOM Gustav Lienhard Award of the National Academy of Sciences.
Give his transition from a highly respected subspecialist in diabetes to a pioneer in geriatric medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Williams exemplifies the type of physician this program aims to develop. The Association of Specialty Professors is proud to honor Dr. T. Franklin Williams.