Maria I. New (born 1928) is a highly distinguished American physician and pediatric endocrinologist, widely recognized for her seminal contributions to the field of pediatric endocrinology, particularly her extensive research on congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Dr. New's work has significantly advanced the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of CAH, a group of inherited disorders that affect the adrenal glands. Her research has encompassed the genetic basis of CAH, the development of improved diagnostic methods, and the pioneering of prenatal treatment strategies to mitigate the effects of the condition, thereby profoundly improving the health and lives of affected individuals.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. New has held numerous prestigious academic and leadership positions. She made history as the first female full professor of pediatrics at Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medicine). Additionally, she was the first woman to be appointed Chief of a medical service at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she led the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology. She served as the Harold and Percy Uris Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism at Weill Cornell Medical College for many years and is currently a Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Her profound impact on medicine has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Robert H. Williams Distinguished Leadership Award from the Endocrine Society, the John Howland Award from the American Pediatric Society, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Women's Association. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. Her extensive publications and leadership have shaped clinical practice and research in pediatric endocrinology globally.