Obituary: Frederick Peterson, professor of clinical pediatrics, 85
Physician was longtime, influential figure at St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Peterson
Frederick D. Peterson, a professor of clinical pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died March 2, 2017, in his sleep at a nursing home in Chesterfield, Mo.
A 1957 graduate of the School of Medicine, Peterson began his professional affiliation with the university as an intern and ultimately ascended to professor of clinical pediatrics in 1992. Peterson was a longtime influential presence at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and also maintained a private practice for more than three decades.
He was instrumental in helping to establish the Community Office Practice Experience (COPE), which provided medical residents training with practicing physicians. He received numerous awards, including the School of Medicine’s Faculty Achievement Award in 1992.
“Dr. Fred Peterson was a dedicated pediatrician, teacher and mentor who will be missed by his many patients and their families and by his colleagues,” said F. Sessions Cole, MD, the Park J. White Professor of Pediatrics, assistant vice chancellor for children’s health and director of the Division of Newborn Medicine. “He contributed to the School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital through his teaching, his leadership and his commitment to children.”
Peterson is survived by his brother, William Peterson, of Tallahassee, Fla.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust Street in St. Louis. Church officials recommend parking at nearby meters or in a public garage.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Church Cathedral, where Peterson was a longtime, active member.
