David A. Kessler

DavidAaronKesslerApr2009

David A. Kessler is an American pediatrician, lawyer, and public health advocate who has played a significant role in public health policy in the United States. He is best known for his tenure as the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from November 8, 1990, to February 28, 1997, under Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Kessler's leadership at the FDA was marked by a series of regulatory initiatives aimed at improving food labeling, tobacco control, and speeding up the approval process for new medications.

Early Life and Education

David Aaron Kessler was born on May 13, 1951, in New York City, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Amherst College in 1973, followed by a medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1979. Kessler also holds a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School, which he received in 1978. His unique background in both medicine and law has significantly influenced his approach to public health policy and regulation.

Career

Before his appointment as FDA Commissioner, Kessler served as a medical advisor to various institutions and held academic positions, including teaching at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. His early career was marked by a focus on pediatric medicine and research.

As Commissioner of the FDA, Kessler implemented several key initiatives that have had a lasting impact on public health and consumer protection. One of his most notable achievements was the introduction of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990, which required standardized nutrition facts labels on food products. This legislation has helped consumers make more informed dietary choices.

Kessler also played a pivotal role in the fight against the tobacco industry. He worked to regulate tobacco products as addictive drugs under the FDA's jurisdiction, leading to significant legal battles and public debates. Although the Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the FDA did not have the authority to regulate tobacco in this way, Kessler's efforts brought significant attention to the issue and paved the way for future tobacco control measures.

After leaving the FDA, Kessler continued to be involved in public health advocacy and academia. He served as the dean of the Yale School of Medicine and later the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. Kessler has also authored several books on diet, nutrition, and the regulation of the food industry.

Legacy

David Kessler's work at the FDA and beyond has had a profound impact on public health policy and regulation in the United States. His efforts to improve food labeling, regulate tobacco products, and expedite the drug approval process have contributed to significant advancements in consumer protection and health awareness. Kessler is widely regarded as a transformative figure in the field of public health, whose policies have saved countless lives and improved the well-being of the American public.