Ann Arvin: Autobiographical Reflections

Stanford Emeriti/ae Council Autobiographical Reflections

On Apr. 19, 2023, Ann Arvin, the Lucile Salter Packard Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Emerita, a nationally recognized scientist, spoke to an emeriti/ae audience. She shared some of her experiences growing up on a farm and as a “faculty brat.” She commented on her undergraduate years at Brown University as a philosophy major, followed by an MD at the University of Pennsylvania, with just seven female students who found the patriarchy “alive and well,” but were active in seeking changes. Arvin noted that becoming an assistant professor in a Medical School clinical department brings with it the demanding and simultaneous new role of attending physician and “decider” in patient care. She also reflected on the challenges of joining Stanford in 1978 as one of very few women faculty across campus, gravitating to each other and founding a Faculty Women’s Caucus to help bring about change. She described the excitement of her research career in molecular virology and infectious diseases, focusing on the varicella zoster virus (which causes chicken pox and shingles). Enticed into leadership through the University Fellows Program, Arvin served from 2006 to 2018 as Stanford’s Vice Provost and Dean of Research, and she offered perspectives on Stanford’s robust system of of interdisciplinary programs and institutes, envied by many peer universities. In response to a question, Arvin expressed pride in being a physician-scientist and the hope that this valuable and rewarding model will continue.