2012 Red Book dedicated to Dr. Katz, measles vaccine co-developer

• Copyright © 2011 by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Samuel L. Katz, M.D., FAAP, of Chapel Hill, N.C., whose work to co-develop the measles vaccine saved countless lives globally, was honored with the dedication of the 2012 Red Book.

From left: Catherine Wilfert, M.D., FAAP, joins her husband, Samuel L. Katz, M.D., FAAP, who received a surprise visit and accepted the 2012 Red Book dedication from Carol J. Baker, M.D., FAAP, Red Book associate editor; Michael T. Brady, M.D., FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases; and Larry K. Pickering, M.D., FAAP, Red Book editor.

A giant in the field of immunizations, his research spanned smallpox, polio, rubella, influenza, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines. In addition, Dr. Katz has served on “virtually every committee or panel in the United States and internationally dealing with vaccine development, licensure and policy,” according to the dedication.

A member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases for 12 years, he was chair from 1969 to 1976.

Dr. Katz served as chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine and Wilburt C. Davison Professor and Chair of Pediatrics. Dr. Katz now is Wilburt C. Davison Professor and Chair of Pediatrics Emeritus at Duke.

He has been instrumental in the careers of many pediatricians and pediatric infectious disease specialists, according to Larry K. Pickering, M.D., FAAP, Red Book editor. “It shows the appreciation of the Academy for all that Dr. Katz has done for children and pediatricians who care for children in this country.”

A member of the Institute of Medicine, Dr. Katz is past president of the American Pediatric Society and the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs.

Notable honors include the AAP Clifford G. Grulee Award, the AAP/American Medical Association Abraham Jacobi Award, the inaugural Federation of Pediatric Organizations Joseph W. St. Geme Award, the America Pediatric Society John Howland Award, the Albert Sabin Vaccine Institute Gold Medal and the Alfred I. DuPont Award for Excellence in Children’s Health Care.