A renowned physician and academic who advocated for healthcare reform and critiqued the medical-industrial complex, known for his influential writings on medical ethics and policy.
Arnold S. Relman, a renowned American internist and professor of medicine, is best known for his trailblazing work as the editor of The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) from 1977 to 1991. During his tenure, he instituted two groundbreaking policies: delaying media coverage of articles until publication and requiring authors to disclose conflicts of interest.
Born on June 17, 1923, in Queens, New York, Relman pursued his higher education at Cornell University and the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.
After contracting tuberculosis, Relman delayed his medical career to undergo treatment. During this period, he read Thomas Mann's novel Magic Mountain, which profoundly impacted him and inspired him to recommend the work to medical students.
Relman's academic appointments included professorships at Boston University School of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (now the Perelman School of Medicine), and Harvard Medical School. He also served as editor of the Journal of Clinical Investigation from 1962 to 1967.
As editor of NEJM, Relman played a pivotal role in shaping the journal's reputation and influence. He championed rigorous scientific standards, transparency, and accountability in medical publishing. His policies and editorial approach earned him respect and admiration from the medical community.
Relman was a passionate advocate for a nonprofit, single-payer health care system in the United States. He wrote extensively on the topic, emphasizing the need for affordable, high-quality health care for all Americans.
Colleagues and friends affectionately knew Relman as "Bud." He was known for his dry wit, kind spirit, and dedication to mentoring medical students and junior faculty members.
Arnold S. Relman's contributions to medical publishing, health care reform, and medical education continue to inspire generations of medical professionals. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and visionary leadership.
60 Years Old
A renowned surgeon and journalist who writes about the complexities of healthcare and the human experience, making medicine more accessible and understandable to the general public.
