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Irwin Redlener: A Life of Purpose and Dedication to Child Health


Full Name and Common Aliases


Irwin Redlener is a renowned American pediatrician, public health expert, and advocate for children's healthcare. His full name is Irwin R. Redlener.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on September 22, 1946, Dr. Redlener has dedicated his life to improving the lives of children through his work in medicine and advocacy.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Nationality: American
Professions: Pediatrician, Public Health Expert, Advocate

Early Life and Background


Dr. Irwin Redlener was born in New York City to a family that valued education and community service. Growing up in a Jewish household, he was exposed to the importance of social justice and healthcare at an early age. His parents, who were both educators, instilled in him a strong sense of empathy and compassion for others. These values would later shape his career as a pediatrician and advocate.

Major Accomplishments


Dr. Redlener's distinguished career spans over four decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the field of pediatrics and public health. Some of his notable achievements include:

Serving as the Founding Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Leading the development of the NYC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, which has become a model for urban emergency services worldwide
* Providing critical medical care and advocacy during numerous natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy

Notable Works or Actions


Dr. Redlener's commitment to children's health and well-being extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. He is the author of several books, including "Kids at Risk: Why Anything Goes in America—and How You Can Fight Back" and "The Safe Children Project". His writing has been widely praised for its accessibility and clarity.

Impact and Legacy


Throughout his career, Dr. Redlener has left an indelible mark on the lives of children and families worldwide. His tireless advocacy has led to significant improvements in disaster preparedness, emergency medical services, and healthcare access for vulnerable populations. As a result, countless lives have been saved, and communities have become stronger and more resilient.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Dr. Irwin Redlener's unwavering dedication to children's health and his unshakeable commitment to social justice have earned him widespread recognition and respect. His words of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration continue to resonate with parents, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and individuals from all walks of life. As a leading voice in the field, he reminds us that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

Quotes by Irwin Redlener

Irwin Redlener's insights on:

Hospitals are about healing.
"
Hospitals are about healing.
There has been a transition from a nuclear-annihilation scenario to an isolated-terrorist-nuclear-bomb scenario. But we’re still locked into a mind-set that nuclear war would be so overwhelming that any kind of preparedness would be futile.
"
There has been a transition from a nuclear-annihilation scenario to an isolated-terrorist-nuclear-bomb scenario. But we’re still locked into a mind-set that nuclear war would be so overwhelming that any kind of preparedness would be futile.
The problem with most children’s hospitals is that they are passive. They are high quality. They are filled with the best doctors. But their function is to wait until kids get sick and get referred in.
"
The problem with most children’s hospitals is that they are passive. They are high quality. They are filled with the best doctors. But their function is to wait until kids get sick and get referred in.
Kids get a lot of lip service in disaster planning, but they tend to get far fewer resources than they need. The mantra of ‘children are our most valuable resource’ is almost never matched by actual funding.
"
Kids get a lot of lip service in disaster planning, but they tend to get far fewer resources than they need. The mantra of ‘children are our most valuable resource’ is almost never matched by actual funding.
Even the best community organizations and faith-based initiatives and the extraordinary charity of Americans across the country can’t carry the brunt of eliminating poverty.
"
Even the best community organizations and faith-based initiatives and the extraordinary charity of Americans across the country can’t carry the brunt of eliminating poverty.
The reality is that it’s harder to recruit pediatric subspecialists if you’re not recruiting them for a children’s hospital.
"
The reality is that it’s harder to recruit pediatric subspecialists if you’re not recruiting them for a children’s hospital.
Poverty-fighting programs are not handouts – they are investments.
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Poverty-fighting programs are not handouts – they are investments.
Seven million ship cargo containers come into the United States every year. Five to seven percent only are inspected – five to seven percent.
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Seven million ship cargo containers come into the United States every year. Five to seven percent only are inspected – five to seven percent.
Fallout shelters are like bell-bottoms. They’ve gone in and out of favor.
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Fallout shelters are like bell-bottoms. They’ve gone in and out of favor.
Police officers and firemen are so visible in their daily work, there’s no mistaking they’re there – and that presence makes people feel secure.
"
Police officers and firemen are so visible in their daily work, there’s no mistaking they’re there – and that presence makes people feel secure.
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