Improved the lives of millions of children around the globe
The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is one in 4,000 births. With Dr. Dussault’s simple test, using a small heel prick within two weeks of birth, thyroid deficient states can be detected in newborns to avoid varying degrees of intellectual disabilities and to increase the chance of leading a normal life. This application of scientific discovery to eliminate a serious global health problem is an outstanding example of the finest tradition of public health.
Despite Dr. Dussault’s extraordinary achievement, he remained a compassionate, gentle and modest man. An outstanding teacher and dedicated clinician, numerous researchers trained by Dr. Dussault can now be found in leading endocrine laboratories around the world.