This month, we're inspired by one of our own, OHSU professor emerita in dermatology, Frances Storrs, M.D. Her story offers plenty of inspiration. Over the course of her professional career, Dr. Storrs was a feminist and trailblazer for women, a mentor for residents, an exceptional clinician, and a brilliant researcher.

The first woman to complete a residency in OHSU's dermatology department, Dr. Storrs went on to become faculty in the department. She led the Contact Dermatitis Clinic, where she mentored students and excelled as a physician.

Her research in contact dermatitis gained international recognition. She discovered new workplace and environmental allergens and treatments. In her 40 year career, she published more than 120 studies in peer-reviewed journals, on topics including skin reactions to cosmetics and skin-patch testing in children.

Dr. Storrs won more than 30 awards, including the American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD) Master Dermatologist Award and the AAD's highest honor, the Gold Medal. She has also been honored in Oregon, and was the City Club of Portland's Citizen of the Year in 2001.

"I would like to be remembered for my research in allergens and my teaching and mentoring," Dr. Storrs has said. "But mostly I'm more pleased than anything that I've been able to have a professional life that worked well with my private life."