In Memoriam: Dr. Ann Metzinger

Dr. Ann Metzinger, who was awarded the Lifetme Achievement in Global Health Award at the school's Centennial Celebration, passed away on May 6.

Associate Professor Emeritus Dr. Ann Metzinger (MPH ’75, DrPH ’80) passed away on May 6 at the age of 90. 

Metzinger founded the Dietetic Internship at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, which will graduate its 50th class next spring. Dr. Metzinger taught at the school for over 40 years, serving under fellow nutrition scholar and the first woman dean of a school of public health, Dr. Grace Goldsmith. Metzinger conducted research in the areas of clinical nutrition and dietetics, community nutrition, food administration, and geriatrics, and her research included an evaluation of nutrition education materials relative to parenting implemented at public health clinics.

Metzinger received her Bachelor of Science in Food Systems Management from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, completed a Dietetic Internship at Vanderbilt University Hospital, and received a Master of Science in Nutrition from Louisiana State University. She later earned a Master of Public Health in Nutrition as well as a Doctor of Public Health from Tulane.

Over the course of her career, Metzinger was a nutrition fellow of the Louisiana Geriatric Education Center, a reviewer for the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, and served in various capacities with the Louisiana Dietetic Association, local and national chapters of the American Dietetic Association, and on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the SPHTM. 

In 2012 she was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement in Global Health Award from the school at its Centennial Celebration. At that time, her son Dr. Stephen Metzinger (MSPH TRMD ’93) said, “She was ahead of the curve on the morbid obesity epidemic by 20 years and continues to make a difference. She is my hero and someone who deserves recognition. She has always embraced the triad of patient care, education, and research.”

Former faculty Penny Jessop worked with Metzinger for many years and had this to say, “Ann Metzinger was a student’s teacher. She adored her students and cared about their success in their programs. She believed strongly that nutrition was a foundation for a good life. And she had an open-door policy and many a foreign student sought her help.” 

Learn more about services in remembrance of Dr. Metzinger. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Student Scholarship Fund at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, or the Alzheimer's Foundation.