Man of the Century - Dr. Maurice R. Hilleman

Everyone may have his pick and the popularity vote was Albert Einstein as Man of the Century. No doubt that Einstein was the greatest scientist in the century. Unfortunately his great discovery was linked to the weapon of mass destruction that killed hundreds and thousands of lives and threats lives of billions today. On the other hand, another great scientist, his discovery and accomplishments have saved millions of lives – his name is Maurice R. Hilleman.

Dr. Hilleman is credited with having developed more human and animal vaccines than any other scientist, saving tens of millions lives, helping to extend human life expectancy and improving the life qualities in many countries. Much of modern preventive medicine is based on Dr. Hilleman's work.

There are many fascinating stories about this scientist. Yet almost no one knew about him, saw him on television, or read about him in newspapers or magazines. His anonymity, in comparison with those dying to show-off politicians and celebrities, tells something about our society's and media's perception for fame; much less of the heroic. This is not a frivolous observation.

In the eulogy, Adel A. F. Mahmoud, M.D., Ph.D., said "Dr. Maurice Hilleman created a legacy of accomplishment and achievement that dwarfs that of any other scientist working today. His work has saved literally millions of lives and has protected many millions more from disease. Dr. Maurice Hilleman is one of the true scientific leaders of our time. His work has helped to protect millions from diseases ranging from pandemic flu to chicken pox, and has revolutionized public health, without question. There are few people alive today -- or who have lived in any other age in history -- who can say that they helped eliminate a disease and saved millions of lives, not just through their discovery, but through their insistence that the fruits of their labor be brought to all those in need. Maurice Hilleman is one of those very few."