David Kessler
David Kessler
Full Name and Common Aliases
David A. Kessler is an American physician, academic, and public health expert.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 12, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. No death date available.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Kessler's nationality is American, and he has worked as a physician, surgeon, academic, and government official.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Los Angeles, Kessler was raised by his parents, who instilled in him the importance of public service. He developed an interest in medicine at an early age and went on to attend Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1968. After completing his medical degree at Harvard Medical School in 1972, Kessler trained as a surgeon at Stanford University.
Major Accomplishments
Kessler's achievements are numerous, but some of the most notable include:
Commissioner of Food and Drugs: In 1990, President George H.W. Bush appointed Kessler to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During his tenure, he implemented policies aimed at reducing tobacco use and improving food safety.
Advancements in HIV/AIDS Research: As a government official and academic, Kessler has played a significant role in advancing our understanding of HIV/AIDS. His work on the disease's pathogenesis and treatment has helped shape public health policy worldwide.
Notable Works or Actions
Kessler has authored several books, including:
The End of Overeating: A 2009 book that explores the relationship between food, pleasure, and addiction.
The Stress of Life: A comprehensive review of stress and its impact on human health, co-authored with Hans Selye.
Impact and Legacy
David Kessler's contributions to public health have had a lasting impact. His work as FDA commissioner helped shape tobacco regulations and improve food safety standards. As an academic and researcher, he has made significant contributions to our understanding of HIV/AIDS and the biology of eating disorders.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kessler is widely quoted for his expertise on public health issues, including tobacco control, food safety, and obesity prevention. His insights are sought by policymakers, journalists, and scholars around the world.
Quotes by David Kessler
People often say, “I don’t know how you’re doing it.” I tell them that I’m not. I’m not deciding to wake up in the morning. I just do. Then I put one foot in front of the other because there’s nothing else to do. Whether I like it or not, my life is continuing, and I have decided to be part of it.
Healing doesn’t mean the loss didn’t happen. It means that it no longer controls us.
Life gives us pain. Our job is to experience it when it gets handed to us. Avoidance of loss has a cost. Having our pain seen and seeing the pain in others is a wonderful medicine for both body and soul.
Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? – Rose Kennedy.
If I had my life to live over again, I would find you sooner so that I could love you longer.
Life gives us pain. Our job is to experience it when it gets handed to us. Avoidance of loss has a cost.
After all my years working with the dying and the grieving, I have found that in this lifetime, the ultimate meaning we find is in everyone we have loved. Your loved one’s story is over. For unknown reasons, their time on earth has drawn to a close, but yours continues. I can only invite you to be curious about the rest of the story of your life.
Maturity is when you accept the fact that two contradictory ideas can exist together.
