Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman
On October 5, 2001, the Tufts School of Nutrition Science and Policy was renamed the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in honor of a remarkable gift given to the school by the Friedman Family Foundation — a gift that is the largest donation in the school's history.
Dr. Gerald J. Friedman was an early believer in the role nutrition plays in preventing illness, and this was a thread that ran throughout his illustrious and varied 55-year medical career. Not only was Dr. Friedman one of the pioneers of the field of clinical nutrition, but he also specialized in cardiology, diabetes and metabolism, endocrinology and internal medicine. One of the most striking things about Dr. Friedman's medical practice was the amount of time he gave to each of his patients, spending hours with them and noting all aspects of their health. His emphasis on nutrition was unique for the time: all patients left this doctor's office with a pragmatic diet in hand. And Dr. Friedman, who retired in 1992, never turned away patients, regardless of their ability to pay the bill.
As a couple, the Friedmans shared this value of giving back. Dorothy Ross Friedman did extensive work with the New York Diabetes Association, where she and her husband helped establish a camp for children with diabetes. In addition, Mrs. Friedman was an active volunteer at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.
In 1992, the Friedmans established their foundation. The philanthropy of the Friedman Family Foundation to Tufts University has been exceptional.