Albert Lasker
Public Service Award
G. Brock Chisholm
First director of the World Health Organization, for his leadership in organizing this vast post-war, international public health concept.
Dr. Brock Chisholm, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), has inspired and organized the vast post-war international public health campaign which has brought about a remarkable reduction in sickness and mortality throughout the world, uniting free nations in constructive collaboration for social and economic progress.
In all the history of public health, nothing has been more fertile than the post-war recognition that the major concern of every country is attainment of the highest possible standard of health, fundamental to the peace and security of the world.
The amazing betterment of world health in the brief span of six years is the result of teamwork among people of all countries, but the unity of effort has been made possible only through farsighted leadership. The credit belongs in the first instance to Dr. Chisholm. Uncompromising on the lofty ideals expressed in the constitution of the World Health Organization, full of compassion for the suffering millions, a born organizer, an accomplished physician of mind and body alike, he has proved the perfect choice for this exacting post.
Howard Rusk
For his pioneering work in the service of the physically disabled and as distinguished rehabilitation mentor to the world.
The restoration of individuals disabled by disease or injury to their maximum functioning has been Dr. Rusk's dedicated purpose. His work has been based on principles of treating the whole man, considering the patient as an individual, and providing continuous treatment from the earliest moment following illness or surgery until the attainment of maximum benefit. His successes in the convalescent and rehabilitation program of the Army Air Force hospitals and in a leading civilian rehabilitation center are deservedly acclaimed.
As Associate Editor of the New York Times, Dr. Rusk has contributed materially to the public's knowledge of progress in the medical sciences and in the administration of health and medical services. As chairman of the Health Resources Advisory Committee of the Office of Defense Mobilization, Dr. Rusk has led in formulating policies for maintaining and strengthening manpower in the health field and in marshaling the medical manpower resources of the nation for the protection and promotion of both military and civilian health.