David D. Rutstein, SB ’30, MD ’34, challenged prevailing assumptions about alcoholism in 1978 when he co-authored a study in the New England Journal of Medicine that illuminated the genetic underpinnings of addiction. This pioneering research enhanced the understanding of a complex public health issue and demonstrated Rutstein’s unwavering commitment to applying quantitative, clinically focused science to real-world medical challenges.
Joining the faculty of Harvard Medical School in 1947, Rutstein led the Department of Preventive Medicine for more than 20 years. He was later appointed the Ridley Watts Professor of Preventive Medicine—a professorship he held until his retirement in 1975, when he became professor emeritus. He played a national role in organizing medical care, integrating preventive medicine into patient care, and measuring medical outcomes.
After retirement, Rutstein kept an office at Harvard and continued his research. During this time, Mary Sandra “Sandy” Staff joined him as his research and administrative assistant. Staff cherished working with Rutstein from 1975 until his passing in 1986, contributing to influential projects, including the alcohol addiction study and research on sentinel events in public health. She remained in contact with Rutstein’s wife, Beverly—a devoted Harvard administrator who served HMS for 17 years. Staff died in April 2022, and Beverly Rutstein passed away several months later, in September 2022.
The Rutstein Fund enables us to pursue research that is rigorous, analytical, and truly relevant for patients and communities. We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary legacy.
Nicole Maestas