ALAN ZISKIND

Ziskind, Alan MD, MPH Formerly of Belmont MA and most recently Wilbraham MA, died November 21, 2015, age 83. Alan was a graduate Columbia University ('53), Boston University School of Medicine ('57) and the Harvard School of Public Health ('64). Alan was an early investigator of growth hormone for the treatment of short stature in children at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He practiced pediatrics in Belmont, MA for 30 years before taking on health plan leadership roles, first for Prudential and then Health New England. His relationships with thousands of patients and their families extended well beyond the treatment of clinical problems. He deeply believed in treating the whole patient and received great satisfaction from making a true difference in their lives. He especially cherished the opportunity to care for the children of his patients! Alan valued practical solutions. With his brother, he co-invented the first typewriter for quadriplegics. He helped establish Belmont's CODE House to address drug abuse and crisis counseling needs. He helped develop one of the first EMT training programs in the 1960's and he loved teaching first aid and EMT classes to first responders in Middlesex County during the 1960's and 1970's. Alan is survived by Barbara, his wife of 63 years, and sons Andrew, Mark and Michael, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and his "adopted family" the Hakims. In keeping with Alan's wishes, there will not be a funeral, rather a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to establish the Alan Ziskind Scholarship which will support Boston University medical students interested in pursuing a career in pediatrics. Donations should be made to: Trustees of Boston University (Alan Ziskind Scholarship), BUSM Development Office, 72 E. Concord St., L-219, Boston, MA 02118.