On January 15, 2016, Philadelphia organizations associated with Benjamin Franklin will celebrate his 300th birthday with a day of events organized around some of the founding father's most lasting contributions. In the morning, panelists will discuss Franklin's contributions to public health during his time and the way those contributions have continued to influence institutions and practices in Philadelphia and beyond. Speakers are
Penny Heaton, MD, Director, Vaccine Development, Global Health Program, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Walter Tsou, MD, former Philadelphia Health Commissioner
Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, vaccine developer and History of Vaccines Advisory Board member
After the panel, a luncheon will honor Paul A. Offit, MD, who developed a rotavirus vaccine in wide use around the world. At 2 pm, Dr. Offit and his producers will screen a documentary about vaccine developer Maurice Hilleman -- a film the group has been working on since at least 2005, when they conducted interviews with Hilleman and many other vaccine developers. Some of this footage is already featured on History of Vaccines: go to our and view the clips featuring Hilleman, Plotkin, and Sam Katz.
Read more about Franklin and the event at the . There is a fee for the luncheon, but the other events, including the movie screening, are free.