Dr. Alan Koslow

Humanitarian • Medical Research • Public Policy Leadership

About Dr. Alan Koslow

Dr. Alan Koslow is a retired vascular surgeon, humanitarian responder, medical researcher, and public policy advocate with more than five decades of experience improving lives in the United States and around the world. His work spans disaster medicine deployments, health legislation, international medical education, and community leadership. He has served on the front lines in crises from Haiti to South Sudan, helped shape major public health laws in Iowa, conducted early stem-cell research, and interviewed national leaders on science, governance, and public policy.

Featured Videos: Leadership, Humanitarian Missions & Public Policy

Inside one of the only two standing hospitals after the 2010 Haiti earthquake — documenting conditions and surgical response efforts

Conversation with the World Food Prize laureate on hunger policy, global development, and public health leadership.

A discussion on government reform, science policy, and national leadership.

Awards, Distinctions & Lifetime Recognition

• National Volunteer of the Year — American Diabetes Association (2009)

Recognized for conceiving and leading the passage of the Iowa Farm to School Act, advocacy on the Healthy Kids Act, and statewide public health leadership.

• National Advocacy Award — March of Dimes (2003)

Honored for helping overturn Iowa’s stem-cell research ban and securing $12 million to establish the University of Iowa Stem Cell Research Center. Also recognized as one of ten founders of the nation’s first March of Dimes walkathon (NYC, 1971).

• National Volunteer Award — AABB (American Association of Blood Banks)

Awarded for designing and expanding the DragonCon Heinlein “Pay It Forward” Blood Drive — now one of the largest recurring blood drives in the United States.

• Governor’s Proclamation — State of Iowa (2010)

Governor Chet Culver formally commended Dr. Koslow for decades of humanitarian service, disaster deployments, statewide advocacy, and leadership improving the health of Iowa’s children.

Books, Publications & Scientific Contributions

Books

• A Moth on a Sloth (completed, unpublished)
A creative, humorous narrative exploring perspective, imagination, and human experience.

• Journey Through Time (in progress)
A memoir capturing five decades of humanitarian missions, medical work, scientific inquiry, activism, and public life.

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Scientific Publications

Dr. Koslow has authored or co-authored more than 30 scientific papers, including work in:

• vascular biology
• early stem-cell culture research at the NIH
• endovascular technologies
• clinical trials (Principal Investigator on 15 multicenter studies)

A full publication list is available on Google Scholar.

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Medical Education, Historical Work & Sports Medicine

• Identified nearly 200 antique medical instruments for the Smithsonian Institution’s medical history collection.
• Served with the First Aid Simulation Team (FAST) from 1971–1977—participating in disaster simulations during the first three years, and coordinating and evaluating simulations during the next three years. FAST conducted over 300 disaster-response scenarios for first responders in Western New York.
• The television producers of Emergency! shadowed FAST for two weeks, observing about a dozen simulations to study and incorporate the team’s innovative training techniques.
• Served as a physician for the United States Equestrian Team, providing medical care to elite riders (not horses) during national and international competitions.
  • Attended the Three-Day Eventing World Championships in Luhmühlen, Germany.
  • Served at the Dressage World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Worked four years as a physician at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington, held annually in April.
  • Treated injuries among some of the world’s top riders and met several members of the British Royal Family during international competitions.
• Taught endovascular and vascular surgical techniques nationally.

Testimonials & Endorsements

“Dr. Koslow has dedicated his life to helping those who cannot help themselves.”

— Beth-el & Rob Borsellino Humanitarian Service Award, 2010

“We commend Dr. Koslow for his unwavering service, leadership, and testimony on behalf of all Iowans.”

— Governor Chet Culver, State of Iowa Proclamation

“One of the most committed public health advocates in the state.”

— American Diabetes Association, Advocacy Award Committee

“A founder of the first March of Dimes Walkathon in NYC and a national leader in public health advocacy.”

— March of Dimes National Volunteer Recognition

“A trusted physician bringing compassion, skill, and courage to disaster zones around the world.”

— Colleagues from Haiti & South Sudan deployments

Learn more about my work in Humanitarian Missions, Awards, and Public Policy.

Contact & Public Engagement

For speaking, interviews, or collaboration:

📧 Email: AlanKoslow@gmail.com
📍 Based in: Des Moines, Iowa & Albany, New York
🌐 Website: akoslow.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alan-koslow-md