Allan M. Brandt

1. Allan M. Brandt

Allan M. Brandt is a prominent American historian and scholar, known for his extensive work in the history of medicine and public health. He is particularly recognized for his research on the social and cultural dimensions of disease, as well as the history of tobacco and smoking in the United States.

Biography

Allan M. Brandt was born in 1953. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Brandeis University, where he developed an interest in the intersection of history and medicine. Brandt went on to earn his Ph.D. in American History from Columbia University, where he focused on the history of public health and disease.

Academic Career

Brandt has held several prestigious academic positions throughout his career. He is the Amalie Moses Kass Professor of the History of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University. His work often explores the ethical, social, and political dimensions of health and disease.

Major Works

One of Brandt's most influential works is his book, The Cigarette Century: The Rise, Fall, and Deadly Persistence of the Product That Defined America, published in 2007. This book examines the history of the tobacco industry and its impact on public health, exploring how cigarettes became a central part of American culture and the subsequent public health campaigns to reduce smoking.

Another significant contribution by Brandt is his earlier work, No Magic Bullet: A Social History of Venereal Disease in the United States since 1880, which analyzes the social and cultural responses to sexually transmitted diseases in America.

Research Interests

Brandt's research interests include the history of public health, the social history of disease, and the ethical implications of medical practices. He has also been involved in discussions about the role of historians in public policy, particularly in relation to health care and disease prevention.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Brandt has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of medical history. He is a member of several professional organizations and has served on various editorial boards and committees.

Also see

• History of medicine
• Public health
• Tobacco industry
• Harvard Medical School
• History of science