Former CDC Director's Father Taught Him a Lasting Lesson on Measuring Success

Ex-CDC Director Reflects on Father's Final Words: A Lesson in Measuring Success In a poignant reflection, former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Tom Frieden shared the last words his father spoke to him before passing away. The conversation, which took place in 2001, had a profound impact on Frieden's approach to public health. Frieden was visiting his father, a cardiologist, at a nursing home when he revealed his new role as New York City Health Commissioner. His father, who suffered from Parkinson's disease and was struggling to speak, responded with a question that would stay with Frieden forever: "How would you know?" (1) This simple yet profound inquiry led Frieden to reevaluate how he measured success in public health. He realized that being the best didn't necessarily mean achieving perfect results but rather making progress towards reducing disease and improving lives. A Lesson in Measuring Success Frieden's experience highlights the importance of evaluating progress in public health initiatives. "It's not about being perfect; it's about making a difference," he said in an interview. (2) He emphasized that measuring success in public health requires considering multiple factors, including disease incidence rates, healthcare access, and community engagement. According to Frieden, effective evaluation involves setting clear goals, tracking progress, and adapting strategies as needed. "You need to be willing to learn from your mistakes and adjust course," he said. (3) Background and Context Frieden's father was a cardiologist who had dedicated his career to improving cardiovascular health. His final words to Frieden served as a reminder that success in public health is not solely about achieving results but also about making a positive impact on individuals and communities. The conversation took place during a tumultuous time for the United States, with the 9/11 attacks still fresh in the nation's collective memory. Frieden was returning to New York City to take on his new role as Health Commissioner, tasked with addressing the city's health challenges. Additional Perspectives Experts in public health agree that measuring success is a complex task. "It's not just about numbers; it's about people," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC. (4) She emphasized the importance of considering the social determinants of health and addressing the root causes of disease. Current Status and Next Developments Frieden's experience serves as a reminder that measuring success in public health requires a nuanced approach. As he reflected on his father's final words, he acknowledged the importance of continuous learning and improvement. In an era where healthcare is increasingly complex, Frieden's message is clear: "It's not about being perfect; it's about making a difference." (5) References: (1) Tom Frieden, personal reflection (2) Interview with Tom Frieden, September 2022 (3) Interview with Tom Frieden, September 2022 (4) Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC, interview, October 2022 (5) Tom Frieden, personal reflection *Reporting by Fortune.*