It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr. Benard Dreyer, a cherished colleague, mentor, and friend to so many in the pediatric community. His loss leaves a void felt by all who had the privilege to know him and work alongside him. While we grieve this enormous loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of a true champion for children.
Benard was a man of keen compassion, vision, and unwavering dedication. Colleagues recall his deep listening, his willingness to take calls from patients’ families at all hours, and his ability to see the long game, offering comfort and resolve even in challenging times. He didn’t just envision a better world for children; he acted decisively to create it. Whether through decades of research and advocacy, fighting for immigrant children in the trenches, or demanding action by visiting the border himself, Benard never hesitated in the face of injustice. His groundbreaking work on childhood poverty and his foundational role in establishing initiatives like the Council on Immigrant Child and Family Health and the Pediatric Specialist Care Access Network (Pedi SCAN) stand as testaments to his impactful career.
Beyond his awe-inspiring list of accomplishments, Benard embodied patience, courage, and generosity. He mentored countless trainees and colleagues, freely sharing his wisdom and time. He showed us all how to be champions for children, often stepping up personally and financially to ensure vulnerable children received the care they needed. Though we miss his presence sorely, Benard’s spirit endures in the innumerable lives he touched and the vital work he championed. We are privileged to have learned from him and advocated alongside him. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by continuing to be “unabashedly pro-child and pro-family,” just as he was.
Dr. Roberto “Bert” Johansson works as a pediatrician on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Listen to the “Lessons in Advocacy,” episode of the podcast, “Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S.” from October 16, 2024, to hear Dr. Dreyer and Dr. Johansson discuss standing up for migrant children’s health in these difficult times and how others can get involved. “Unsettled” is available wherever you get your podcasts.
