Hospital News
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
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.
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
