History of The Frank A. Calderone Medal and Prize - Mailman School of Public Health

History of The Frank A. Calderone Medal and Prize

Born in 1901, Frank A. Calderone was raised and educated in New York City, graduating from Columbia College and earning his MD from New York University. In 1938, after receiving his MPH from Johns Hopkins University, he joined the New York City Department of Health as District Health Officer, embarking on the career in public health that would extend throughout his life.

Dr. Calderone served the City of New York until 1946 when he was named Director of the Headquarters Office of the United Nations interim commission of the World Health Organization (WHO). He was instrumental in shaping the WHO's policies and structure, and in raising funds to support its continued operations. He held key positions in the permanent organization, including Chief Technical Officer and New York Office Director. Subsequently, he was appointed Medical Director of the United Nations Secretariat Health Service.

The Frank A. Calderone Lecture and Prize at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia was established in 1986 through the generosity of Dr. Calderone and his family to mark his life-long commitment to the health of the public. Several years before the award was established, Dr. Calderone's father, Salvatore Calderone, had commissioned the renowned firm of Dieges and Clust to design and strike a 'medal of merit' in solid gold. Only a few were made, and only one is still in existence. It is the model used today by Tiffany & Co. for the creation of the Calderone Medal. Dr. Calderone, who passed away in 1987, arranged for the endowment of the $10,000 prize and medal in his will.