ACOG Mourns the Passing of Former President, Fredric D. Frigoletto, Jr. M.D.

Washington, DC—Hal C. Lawrence III, M.D., Executive Vice President and CEO of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), released the following statement regarding the death of Fredric D. Frigoletto Jr., MD:

"The ACOG family is extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Fred Frigoletto, a devoted doctor and scientist who dedicated his life to protecting women’s rights. Dr. Frigoletto served as president of ACOG from 1996-97, a time when the organization was expanding its partnerships with other national health organizations, increasing its web presence and producing a breadth of educational materials for various audiences, some of which were translated into non-English languages for the first time. Through his work as former chairman of ACOG’s Committee on Professional Standards, he helped direct the development of the very first edition of ACOG’s Guidelines for Women’s Health Care, which was distributed during his term. Dr. Frigoletto also presided over the organization when the words “Women’s Health Care Physicians” were officially incorporated into the new College logo and seal. During his presidency, he emphasized the importance of evidence-based practice and the need for obstetrician-gynecologists to play a key role in health care reform. Dr. Frigoletto believed that ACOG’s physician members were an invaluable asset to the debate regarding the future of medical practice. “Our clinical expertise is unsurpassed anywhere in the world,” he said.

He graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1962 and completed his residency at Boston City Hospital and The Boston Lying In before practicing medicine at The Boston Hospital for Women, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Martha McKay Frigoletto, his two daughters, Susan and Laurie, and his seven grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at the Harvard Club of Boston on Commonwealth Avenue at 11 a.m. on Nov. 10. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in Dr. Frigoletto's memory to support leadership, research and community care in obstetrics. Please see the obituary for more information.”

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 57,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization. www.acog.org