Dr. Debbie Lee Bennett Installed as Chair in Women's Health

On  August, 14, 2025, The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital installed Debbie Lee Bennett, MD, chief of the Breast Imaging Section for the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at WashU Medicine, as The Ronald and Hanna Evens Endowed Chair in Women’s Health at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. 

Dr. Bennett provides high-quality care and aims to improve outcomes for all people affected by breast cancer. Her research focuses on the early diagnosis of breast cancer and the impact of screening mammography on population outcomes. She is also a co-investigator on multiple collaborative research projects focused on mammogram-based risk prediction, risk reduction interventions, and use of novel technologies to reduce benign biopsies.

"With her empathy, diagnostic acumen, and scientific knowledge Dr. Bennett’s vision is to provide personalized care to all women, especially those with findings who require additional diagnostic care,” says Pamela Woodard, MD, head of WashU Medicine Department of Radiology and director of Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology.

She is especially passionate about ensuring personalized breast screening and diagnostic care are available to every woman. Dr. Bennett is a Siteman Health Equity Fellow and an active member of the St. Louis-based Breast Cancer Engagement Group. She shapes national guidelines and policies while serving on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Panel and the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria Breast Imaging Panel.

"She is an exceptional leader, clinician, and educator whose efforts have resulted in the best breast care for women throughout St. Louis. I can’t think of a better advocate for women’s health,” Dr. Woodard says.

Donors Make This Recognition Possible

Donor gifts allow The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital to support more than 30 endowed chairs and deanships at WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing.

The Ronald and Hanna Evens Endowed Chair in Women’s Health at Barnes-Jewish Hospital was established in 2004 at the Foundation to honor the distinguished career of Dr. Ron Evens, president of Barnes-Jewish Hospital from 1999 to 2005. The chair has been generously supported by many friends, colleagues, and board members, as well as by Ron and his wife, Hanna, a 1960 graduate of Barnes School of Nursing and a former nurse at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

"Dr. Bennett is a pioneer," says Rob Evens. "That's why we're proud to support her work. We congratulate Dr. Bennett and look forward to seeing more of the impact she's making on women's health." Endowed chairs, one of the highest honors bestowed upon a physician, give outstanding researchers and clinicians the ability to pursue groundbreaking work that helps them develop better treatments and technology.

The Foundation is proud to honor Dr. Bennett as The Ronald and Hanna Evens Endowed Chair in Women’s Health at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.