David Kessler

Dr. David Kessler is the Board Chair and Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and a professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF. He notably served as the Commissioner of the United States Food and Drug Administration from 1990 to 1997, appointed by President G. H. W. Bush and reappointed by President Bill Clinton.

Kessler also held positions as the Dean of the medical schools at Yale and the University of California-San Francisco. He has a broad range of experience in research, clinical medicine, education, administration, and the law. He graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Amherst in 1973, received his JD from The University of Chicago Law School in 1978, where he was a member of the Law Review, and his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1979. His internship and residency in pediatrics were completed at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and in 1986, he earned an advanced professional certificate from the New York University Graduate School of Business Administration.

Kessler is not only known for his pivotal role at the FDA as detailed in his book "A Question of Intent: A Great American Battle With A Deadly Industry" but also for his insights into public health challenges as shown in his other works such as "The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite," which was a New York Times bestseller, and "Capture: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering." Moreover, he is the author of six books including "Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief," "You Can Heal Your Heart," "Life Lessons," "Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms," "The Needs of the Dying," and "On Grief and Grieving," which further establish his expertise on topics of grief and loss, drawing from extensive personal and professional experiences. These themes are reiterated through his role as the Chief Empathy Officer of Empathy, an HR product aimed at supporting employees facing loss and grief, and as the founder of grief.com, a significant resource for those dealing with grief.

Throughout his career, Kessler has maintained affiliations with various boards and organizations, is a member of the Institute of Medicine, and has earned numerous awards and honors, affirming his contributions to both medical and public health fields. His work has been recognized by influential figures, including Saint (Mother) Teresa, and he continues to enlighten professionals across various fields, including healthcare and law enforcement, on end-of-life care, trauma, and grief handling.