Anthony Robbins, MD, a pioneer in health policy, died July 5 at 85, The New York Times reported.
Dr. Robbins died of complications from long COVID, heart disease and Parkinson’s disease, his wife said.
He graduated from the Yale School of Medicine in 1967 and trained in internal medicine as an intern and resident, but chose to shift to health policy.
Dr. Robbins served in several health policy positions, including being the country’s youngest state health commissioner at 33 from 1973 to 1976. At that time, he implemented a Vermont supplemental food program for low-income women, infants and children, now known as WIC. In this role, he also created the first state-financed dental care program for children of families who could not afford it.
From 1978 to 1981, he served as the director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and advised the White House on its response to the Three Mile Island nuclear accident in Pennsylvania.
From 1981 to 1986, he served as senior health staff of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he negotiated enhanced warning labels on cigarette packages. He helped draft legislation that became the first National Vaccine Program.
In 1993, he served as director of the first national vaccine plan for the Clinton administration.
Dr. Robbins is survived by his wife, sons, brothers and four grandchildren.
At Becker's 4th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable, taking place November 2–5 in Chicago, more than 1,500 hospital and health system executives tackle decisions that determine whether organizations thrive or merely survive: protecting margins under cost pressure, choosing where to grow, renegotiating payer relationships, stabilizing the workforce and proving real ROI on technology. This is where leaders work through them together, face-to-face. Apply for complimentary registration now.
