The John Russell Dickson, MD Presidential Professorship

John Russell DicksonThe Professorship was established in 2015 through the bequest of Harrison McCrea Dickson, MD (1925–2015) of the Perelman School of Medicine Class of 1958. Dr. Dickson made the gift to honor the three generations of the Dickson family who graduated from the Perelman School of Medicine: he followed in the tradition of his father, John McCrea Dickson, MD of the Class of 1912, and grandfather, John Russell Dickson, MD of the Class of 1880. Funds from Dr. Harrison Dickson’s estate have created professorships in each of their names.

John Russell Dickson, MD (1853–1919) of Gettysburg, PA, was physician to the Adams County Poor Farm for nine years. He also served as County Medical Inspector and Physician-in-Charge of the State Tuberculosis Dispensary from 1908 until his death.

Presidential Professorships are awarded to exceptional scholars of any rank who will contribute to the diverse experiences, perspectives, and eminence of Penn faculty. They were established in 2011 to strengthen the University’s ability to recruit, retain and mentor distinguished scholars who are preeminent in their fields and have demonstrated a commitment to sustaining an inclusive and vibrant academic community.

Current Chairholder

The John Russell Dickson, MD Presidential Professorship is currently open.

Past Chairholder

  • Holly Fernandez Lynch, JD, MBE 2017-2022