Dr. Ed Marcuse awarded AAP Donald Schiff Child Advocacy Award at AAP NCE in Denver

Beth Ebel, MD, MSc, MPH, FAAP

Dr. Ed Marcuse, a longtime esteemed pediatrician and leader at the University of Washington, Seattle Children’s, and the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP), was awarded the national FAAP Donald Schiff lifetime Child Advocacy Award. Many of you know Dr. Marcuse professionally and personally, testament to his 40 years of service as a general pediatrician and mentor, a twenty-year stint as President of WCAAP, and his service as a pediatrician and medical director at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Marcuse dedicated his career to eliminating vaccine-preventable childhood diseases. He served as a member and Chair of the US National Vaccine Advisory Committee, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice, the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, and a member of the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on the National Vaccine Plan. Dr. Marcuse “retired” in 2014 but has remained active in vaccine advocacy and service. He served on the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, named by the Governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington to independently review and assess data made available by manufacturers of candidate COVID-19 vaccines as well as review the processes of federal advisory committees and agencies considering approval of these vaccines prior to their introduction in the United States.

Today, pediatric providers across the country once again need to work together to address federal policy moves which may impede access to safe, effective and affordable vaccines for every child. This critical area is a top priority for WCAAP and Washington pediatric providers. When Washington State’s universal purchase status was threatened in 2010, Dr. Marcuse partnered with the WCAAP and Washington Legislators to create the Washington Vaccine Association (WVA), a nonprofit corporation formed to purchase vaccines for all children at volume rates and deliver them to providers at no cost. Dr. Marcuse built a coalition of physicians, legislators, and health carriers by appealing to the common good, highlighting shared visions, and fostering respectful discussions of differences. The state statute passed and continues to successfully operate, with Dr. Marcuse serving on its board.

Dr. Marcuse’s supported to the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, established in the civil-rights era through the model-cities program. This clinic prioritized delivery of quality pediatric care to historically marginalized communities in Seattle. Dr. Marcuse also helped foster the creation and success of Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Center for Diversity and Health Equity.

Throughout his long career, Dr. Marcuse has prioritized mentorship for the next generation of child advocates. He engaged in an advocacy activity with trainees and supported the development of non-physician health care leaders and advocates, including leaders in nursing and social work. Ed’s kindness, decency and resonant baritone continue to perfuse a remarkable career, as fuel his delight at supporting the next generations of pediatric providers and professionals who care for kids.

In the spirit of Dr. Marcuse, pediatric specialty and generalist providers who wish to work together to ensure vaccine access in Washington this year are invited to join the WCAAP and add their voices to this statewide effort.