News Release * Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine * August 20, 2025 Media contact: Leslie Raabe lraabe@pcrm.org 443 534 5803
Nation’s Leading Breast Health Advocate Receives Benjamin Spock Award for Compassion in Medicine
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Santa Monica Breast Surgeon and Founder of the Pink Lotus Breast Center Kristi Funk, MD, FACS, received the Benjamin Spock Award for Compassion in Medicine at the International Conference on Nutrition and Medicine (ICNM) on Aug. 15. The award was presented by Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a public health advocacy nonprofit with more than 17,000 doctor members.
“Dr. Funk is a skilled and caring breast cancer surgeon, and her commitment extends far beyond the operating room,” said Dr. Barnard. “She is a tireless advocate for empowering the public with life-saving information about using nutrition and lifestyle to reduce cancer risk and improve survival.”
Dr. Funk has dedicated her life to the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. A graduate of Stanford University, she earned her medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed her general surgery training in Seattle. She went on to lead the breast center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center before founding the Pink Lotus Breast Center, a sanctuary of expert, compassionate care for women navigating breast health challenges.
In addition to serving on the Physicians Committee’s President’s Council, Dr. Funk is also a volunteer with the organizations Let’s Beat Breast Cancer campaign, participating in countless media interviews and hosting events that bring hope, humor, and empowerment to women everywhere. Her message is consistently clear, compassionate, and inspiring—even in the face of one of life’s most daunting diagnoses.
The Benjamin Spock Award for Compassion In Medicine honors Benjamin Spock (1903-1998), author of The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, first published in 1946, and likely the most trusted pediatrician of the last century by both new parents and medical professionals.
At a time when most parents were in awe of doctors, Dr. Spock assured them that parents were the true experts on their own children. They had been told that picking up crying infants would only spoil them; Dr. Spock countered that cuddling babies and bestowing affection on children would only make them happier and more secure.
Dr. Spock led a 1992 PCRM press conference aimed at educating parents about newly established links between cow’s milk and type 1 diabetes, among other risks. Later, he joined Dr. Barnard in calling for sweeping reforms of federal nutrition policies.
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Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization of 17,000 physicians who promote preventive medicine, conduct clinical research, and encourage higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.