Joshua Sharfstein

Between college and medical school in 1992, I had the amazing opportunity to work for Dr. Sidney Wolfe at Public Citizen’s Health Research Group. I arrived committed to change but unsure of my own role in achieving it; I left with insights and skills that have made my career possible. At Public Citizen, I helped to expose the names of drug companies that produced flawed advertisements as well as the national scale of a mental health crisis that kept young people held without charges in juvenile detention centers. Not yet 23 years old, I found myself quoted in the newspaper, participating in radio debates, and fielding calls from policymakers. Over just a few months, I came to recognize the value of creativity, clarity, and evidence – and the power of a resolute and compelling objection to something that’s just wrong.

Thank you, Sid, and thank you, Public Citizen.