Find A Physician

Return to Pollin Prize Overview

More on Pollin Prize

Research and Clinical Trials

Return to Pollin Prize Overview

More on Pollin Prize

Health Library

Return to Pollin Prize Overview

More on Pollin Prize

Clinical Services

Return to Pollin Prize Overview

More on Pollin Prize

Pollin Prize

Basil S. Hetzel, AC, MD, FRCP is the 2009 recipient of the Pollin Prize for outstanding achievement in pediatric research.

Dr. Basil S. Hetzel
Dr. Basil S. Hetzel

His pioneering work led to our understanding of the effects of iodine deficiency on brain development – and the importance of incorporating iodized salt in the diet to prevent brain damage in newborns.

Dr. Hetzel's research team in Papua New Guinea (1964-1972) established that brain damage could be prevented by correction of iodine deficiency before pregnancy. This groundbreaking research led him to begin a worldwide campaign to incorporate iodized salt into the diets of more than two billion people in some 130 countries where iodine is lacking.

About the Pollin Prize
The Pollin Prize in Pediatric Research recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement in biomedical or public health research related to the health of children.
Established in 2002, the award was created by Irene and Abe Pollin and their family of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and is funded by the Linda and Kenneth Pollin Foundation.

The World Health Organization now recognizes that iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of brain damage in the world today.

Dr. Hetzel's efforts have prevented brain damage in millions of children. We honor his vision, leadership and discovery.

Previous Pollin Prize Recipients

2002

Norbert Hirschorn, MD, Dilip Mahalanabis, MD, David R. Nalin, MD and Nathiel F. Pierce, MD for Oral Rehydration Therapy

2003

Emil Frei III, MD, Emil J. Freireich, MD, Donald Pinkel, MD and James F. Holland, MD for Development of Curative Treatments for Childhood Leukemia

2004

Alfred Sommer, MD, MHS for Vitamin A: The 20-Cent Solution

2005

Eric N. Olson, PhD and Abraham M. Rudolph, MD for Advances in Understanding Congenital Cardiac Malformations

2006

(No Award)

2007

Samuel L. Katz, MD for the Development and Implementation of the Measles Vaccine

2008

John Allen Clements, MD for Development of Lifesaving Treatment for Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in Infants

Contact

Office of Public Affairs
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Columbia University Medical Center
627 West 165th Street
New York, NY 10032
tel: (212) 305-5587
fax: (212) 305-8023
email: pr@nyp.org

  • Bookmark
  • Print


eNewsletters



Top of page