John Preston Lawrence D ’76, MED '79/’80  Retired, Associate Professor of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

 

John Preston Lawrence, MD, has made significant contributions to pediatric surgery through his extensive career in academia, clinical practice, and global health. Recently retired, he was the Meier/Mounsey Endowed Chair and chief of pediatric surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso.

Lawrence’s commitment to global health is evident in his work with Doctors Without Borders, where he provided surgical care in crisis zones. His service on the Navajo Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona, as a general medical officer and later as chief of medical staff, highlights his dedication to improving healthcare in underserved communities.

In research, Lawrence has contributed peer-reviewed papers and abstracts, focusing on pediatric surgery and oncology. His studies have examined the effects of various treatments on pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and carcinoid tumors.

Renowned for his dedication to medical education, Lawrence has mentored numerous medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows. He has taught courses on advanced trauma life support, global health issues, and pediatric surgery. He frequently lectures at Geisel School of Medicine and contributes to Dartmouth’s educational initiatives.

Lawrence’s excellence in teaching and clinical practice has been recognized with awards such as the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Officers Award, the Robert White Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Rochester, and multiple Teacher of the Year Awards from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. His inclusion in the “Best Doctors in America” list, and recognition by the Pediatric Trauma Society with a Career Contribution Award, testify to his impact on the field.

Lawrence has also served as an assistant—and later, associate professor of surgery—at the University of Iowa, where he was clerkship director for general surgery, overseeing international programs and surgical education. His tenure at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center further established his expertise in pediatric surgery. At Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Lawrence was a staff pediatric surgeon before joining the University of Vermont as an associate professor of surgery.

 

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