A Polio Pioneer – Dr. Ed Iannuccilli
Monday, March 08, 2021
Just before I published last week’s story of my polio epidemic recollections, I received an email from Eugene. “In June of 1960, my father played a role in the inoculation of thousands of RI residents against polio in a single day, evidently an innovative strategy at the time. My father has many colorful recollections of the logistics required to pull off what was apparently a memorable day . . . using an injection device that did not utilize a needle and could rapidly inoculate one hundred patients before . . . its vaccine change.”
His Dad is my friend, Ed Yazbak, who practiced Pediatrics and was a school physician in Northern Rhode Island for 34 years. He was the Assistant Clinical Director for infectious diseases at the Charles V. Chapin Hospital and the Director of Pediatrics at the Woonsocket Hospital. There is not enough room to include all he has done.
Some years ago, I chaired a board with Ed as one of the trustees. I looked to him often. He was an involved, knowledgeable representative who was not afraid to offer his opinion, particularly if it fulfilled the needs of children.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSocially, he was charming. At many a dinner party, he was the center of attention as he offered a wealth of humorous stories, chortling more than others as he told them.
While training in Pediatrics, in New York, Ed was assigned to the Charles V. Chapin Hospital, one of the finest infectious disease hospitals in the world, for his three-month infectious disease rotation. He arrived in the heart of the polio epidemic, working nearly around the clock, seven days a week caring for sick children in iron lungs. The Chapin was among the first to have the machine; a strange tank respirator they called “Big Bertha,” now housed in a museum.
Ed Yazbak fell in love with the management of infectious diseases and continued his quest to control communicable disease challenges. He was on a mission to help, not only those in the hospital, but also those outside in need of immunization. And the path was to get people vaccinated; lots of them, quickly, and efficiently. He learned of the needle-free ‘gun’ that could address the needle phobia issue and safely vaccinate many in a short period of time. Dr. Yazbak helped organize city employees and patient caregivers to administer the vaccine to thousands.
He knew of the gun’s use to help eradicate smallpox . . . from the World. “I felt so good because the response was magnificent,” his crusty, confident voice hitting its high note.
I wanted our conversation to continue for hours, but at some point, we needed to break. “Last question, Ed.”
“Sure.”
“How did you feel about those difficult days observing firsthand the devastation of an epidemic?”
Silence, then, “It was heartbreaking.” His sorrows and joys, his losses and wins were palpable, lo these many years away.
We paused, to reflect. I know there was a tear in his eye as there was one in mine.
Dr. Ed Iannuccilli is the author of three popular memoirs, “Growing up Italian; Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories”, “What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner” and “My Story Continues: From Neighborhood to Junior High.” Learn more here.
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