Remembering Dr. Benard Dreyer
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Board Member, Dr. Benard Dreyer, on New Year’s Day. Dr. Dreyer’s extraordinary dedication to Bellevue Hospital spanned nearly 50 years, during which he served as a tireless advocate for the health and well-being of children in New York City and beyond.
Dr. Dreyer attended NYU medical school and spent almost his entire career at Bellevue Hospital, where he focused on health care issues in pediatrics including health equity, child poverty, diversity and inclusion, early brain and child development, and the promotion of pediatric research. He was an Academic General Pediatrician and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician who devoted his professional career to serving poor children and families many of whom were in minority and immigrant communities. He worked extensively on policies to protect the health of immigrant and unaccompanied minors. Dr. Dreyer held many administrative positions at Bellevue and led the primary care program for more than 40 years. He was active in many national academic pediatric organizations, and he was the president of both the American Pediatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He had over 150 peer-reviewed research publications. He won many awards including the University-wide NYU Distinguished Teacher Award in 2017.
Dr. Dreyer represented the very best of the medical profession. Throughout his long career he remained focused on serving disenfranchised and underserved populations to ensure that every child receive the best possible medical care regardless of race and ethnicity, economic or legal status. He truly embodied Bellevue’s missions and ideals.
Dr. Dreyer was an active and involved member of The Bellevue Association Board for many years, promoting programs which improved patient care in pediatrics including Reach Out and Read, and last year, The PLANT program providing funds to help families at Bellevue increase plant- based food in their diets. On a personal level, Dr. Dreyer was always available to offer his gentle advice, knowledge and wisdom to those in need. He was a great doctor and a wonderful human being.
Dr. Dreyer will be sorely missed. The Bellevue Association took out a legacy notice about Dr. Dreyer that appeared in the New York Times print edition on Sunday, January 12, 2025 and will be available on Legacy.
– Beth Farber, President
Dr. Daniel F. Roses and Dr. Benard Dreyer at our Bellevue Gala 2024
