Champion Profile: Dr. Barry Zuckerman

"Research has shown that the first five years of life are critical to a child's language development," Zuckerman said. "Reading to a young child, even before a baby can hold a book, will help the child develop a love of books because she will associate them with being on her mother's lap and hearing her mother's voice."

Dr. Zuckerman has been a national leader in expanding pediatric health care to more effectively address the needs of low income and minority children. In addition to Reach Out and Read, he started the Medical-legal Partnership for Children (MLPC) at Boston Medical Center, which uses legal advocacy to address the social causes of the health and developmental problems in low-income children. He also co-founded the Healthy Steps Program for Children, a strategic program designed to keep pediatricians informed of new findings in early childhood development.

An author of more than 200 scientific publications, Dr. Zuckerman has also served as the editor for nine books. He has served on prestigious national committees, including the National Commission on Children and the Carnegie Commission on Meeting the Needs of Young Children. Dr. Zuckerman has been a consultant for UNICEF, providing technical assistance to Turkey and Bangladesh as they strengthen their child health services.

Dr. Zuckerman received the National Leadership Award from the Children's Defense Fund; an Honorary Degree in Education from Wheelock College; a Policy and Advocacy Award from the Ambulatory Pediatric Association; the Sunny Days Award from the Children's Television Network; the Robert F. Kennedy Embracing the Legacy Award for the MLPC; and the Confucius Award from UNICEF for Reach Out and Read. He served on numerous boards and committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a board member of Zero to Three-The National Center for Infants and Toddlers.

Dr. Zuckerman recently returned from Peru where he is working to bring the Reach Out and Read Program. Before he returned home he held a press conference in Santa Ana with pediatricians and First 5 representatives in honor of the Read Early, Read Aloud regional campaign.

Which book has most influenced your life?
All books. Having my parents read to me and me reading to my own children and many children.

What makes you happy?
Spending time with my family, enjoying music, and reading to children.

Which historical figure do you admire most and why?
Abe Lincoln. He was a leader and a visionary and was able to put his own ego aside to help others.

What is your idea of a perfect world?
A place where justice reigns and people have equal opportunities. One where we all live by the golden rule, do onto others and you would have done unto you.

What is your motto?
Let's try it!

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