Sidney Wolfe: Consumer Rights Crusader & FDA Nemesis – Lives On at 86

Sidney Wolfe: Relentless Consumer Activist and FDA Foe Dies at 86 The U.S. has suffered a major loss in the world of consumer activism and policy reform, with the recent death of 86-year old Sidney Wolfe. Wolfe, who passed away on February 2nd, 2021, was a doctor and public health expert who served as the director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group for 47 years. During his tenure, he advocated for stricter regulations concerning health care access and the sale of pharmaceuticals, and consistently stood up for the rights of consumers. Sidney Wolfe’s activism focused on two major goals: protecting people’s health by granting access to affordable medical treatment and halting the sale of dangerous drugs on the market. He won numerous restrains on drug companies’ deceptive practices, such as false advertising and misrepresenting the effectiveness of drugs. Wolfe also exposed the corruption of the pharmaceutical industry, particularly its tendency to promote certain drugs for uses that had not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because of his tireless advocacy, many lives have been saved, and the public is now informed of numerous offenses by pharmaceutical companies. Wolfe’s legacy also includes a reorganization of public health efforts. He is credited with co-engineering the “Five A’s” practice, which encourages increased use of preventive health services. The Five A’s are: Ask your physician about any potential health risks; Advise you on how to prevent those risks; Assist you in making any necessary lifestyle changes; Arrange for appropriate medical treatments; and Assess your progress. This system has been fundamental in helping the public take a more proactive approach to their health care, as well as allowing physicians to better examine patients’ needs. For his work, Sidney Wolfe has been the recipient of numerous awards, including several honorary degrees. He was a recipient of the Amicus Salubritas award, from the National Institute of Health. But the greatest testament to his impact is the number of lives saved through his advocacy and the amount, of legislation, reforms, and regulation changes that can be attributed to his tireless dedication to the cause of protecting public health. Sidney Wolfe was not only a hero in the medical field, but a tireless defender of consumer rights. His passion for reform, and his relentless dedication to the cause of protecting public health, touched countless lives and will never be forgotten. He will be remembered for generations to come as one of the great champions of public health and safety.