It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Dr. Janet Levatin, a respected pediatrician and advocate for integrative medicine, who died by suicide in Ohio. Her unexpected death has left many in the medical community and beyond heartbroken. Dr. Levatin was a strong voice for holistic healthcare and a compassionate physician who devoted her life to helping children and families make informed decisions about their health.

Dr. Janet Levatin earned her medical degree from George Washington University and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She later practiced in Ohio for many years before moving her practice to Massachusetts, where she worked alongside Dr. Sherri Tenpenny at Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center. Dr. Levatin was widely known for her opposition to routine childhood vaccinations and her emphasis on individualized, natural approaches to health and healing.

Her work earned both passionate support and fierce criticism, but through it all, Dr. Levatin remained committed to empowering parents and patients. She encouraged open dialogue, supported informed consent, and believed that healthcare should consider the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Her dedication to these principles earned her a loyal following among families seeking alternatives to conventional medicine.

Despite her professional success and passionate advocacy, Dr. Levatin faced intense scrutiny and pressure throughout her career. The ongoing polarization in public health discourse likely contributed to the emotional weight she carried. Those who knew her describe her as deeply intelligent, compassionate, and unwavering in her mission to serve others, even in the face of adversity.

Dr. Levatin’s death by suicide is a stark reminder of the silent battles many individuals—especially healthcare professionals—face. The demands of the medical field, combined with public backlash and isolation, can take a devastating toll. Her passing has sparked renewed conversations around physician mental health, wellness, and the importance of providing emotional support for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

As friends, colleagues, and patients mourn her loss, tributes have poured in from across the country. Many remember Dr. Levatin not just as a pediatrician, but as a teacher, mentor, and trusted guide. Her unwavering belief in the body’s natural ability to heal, her commitment to informed choice, and her gentle bedside manner left a profound impact on those she served.

Dr. Janet Levatin leaves behind a legacy of medical independence, courage, and compassion. Her loss will be deeply felt by those who believed in her vision of healthcare and by the many families whose lives she touched.