2016 Celebration! — Dr. Franklin and Public Health
Franklin Founder Award - Dr. Paul A. Offit
Benjamin Franklin’s civic involvement included creation of the first public hospital and other key components of public health in early America. Dr. Franklin wrote, “In 1736 I lost one of my sons, a fine boy of four years old to the small pox…I still regret that I had not given him the inoculation.”
On Friday January 15, 2016, the Franklin Birthday Celebration presented the Franklin Founders Award to Dr. Paul A. Offit in recognition of his extraordinary work as a scientist and internationally-recognized “tireless public health advocate”. Dr. Offit, affiliated with CHOP and the Perelman School of Medicine, is co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine, author and public speaker. He was recently elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Offit is a shining reflection of Dr. Franklin’s commitment to the improvement of civic life.
