New portrait of Dr Dorothy Stopford-Price unveiled at RCPI

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is delighted to add a new portrait to our collection, with the acquisition of a portrait of Dr Dorothy Stopford Price (1890-1954). The work by Dublin based figurative artist Lynn Kennedy, celebrates Stopford Price’s pivotal role in the introduction of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine to Ireland. 

On Monday, 20 October artist Lynn Kennedy unveiled her portrait of Stopford Price, with the Deans of the Faculties of Paediatrics and Public Health, Drs Judith Meehan and Cecily Kelleher. The College is not only delighted to add a representation of such an esteemed physician to our collection, but to also continue increase the representations of women on the walls of its historic home at No 6, Kildare Street. 

Dorothy Stopford Price was a leading figure in the effort to eradicate tuberculosis (TB), pioneering the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine in Ireland at St Ultan’s Infant Hospital. Stopford Price brought the knowledge she acquired through research in Europe back to Dublin, helping the city’s most impoverished children and their families. She was recognised by the Minister for Health, Dr Noel Browne, for her achievements when she appointed the first chairperson of the National BCG Committee. 

Speaking on the day, Dr Judith Meehan, Dean of the Faculty of Paediatrics said,

“As a paediatrician, Dorothy Stopford-Price was deeply committed to improving child health and combating infectious diseases that affected Ireland’s poorest communities. Her work in preventive medicine, particularly in TB vaccination, transformed paediatric care in mid-20th century Ireland. She has left a lasting legacy in child health”. 

In 2018, the Faculty of Public Health inaugurated an annually trainee award in honour of Stopford Price’s role in improving public health in Ireland. The Dorothy Stopford Price medal recognises excellence in research or audit on vaccination, immunisation or control of infectious diseases, and its potential impact on public health. This year’s winner was Dr Michael Hanrahan with his research titled, “Evaluation of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunisation Pathfinder Programme”. 

“I am delighted to see this wonderful portrait join the collection of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland” said Professor Cecily Kelleher, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine.

“Dr Dorothy Stopford Price was a true pioneer for the introduction of BCG vaccination in Ireland at a crucial time in combating Tuberculosis. The Medal awarded in her honour is a fitting recognition of research excellence in infectious disease control.”