Michael Vaiani, a survivor of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, expressed his gratitude for the support and care he received from Dr. Iris Udasin, a physician and professor at Rutgers University. Vaiani highlighted Udasin’s genuine concern for the well-being of her patients, recounting how she personally called him with the results of a CT scan late at night.
On that fateful day, Vaiani was a Secret Service agent stationed at Building 7 of the World Trade Center. His experience reflects that of countless first responders who have been under the care of Udasin, who has been the medical director of the World Trade Center Health Program at Rutgers’ Environmental Occupational Health Sciences Institute since its establishment in 2003.
Now retired, Vaiani suffered injuries while helping rescue those trapped in the debris near the Winter Garden Atrium. He began receiving treatment at Rutgers’ World Trade Center clinic in 2008 and praised Udasin for the compassionate environment that made him feel at home.
Dr. Udasin is set to receive the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation’s “Service Above Self” award on September 11, 2024, honoring her dedication to supporting first responders. Jon Adler, president of the foundation, recognized Udasin’s relentless efforts on behalf of these brave individuals.
The program she leads has provided examinations to over 5,000 members and treats more than 2,100 annually. The World Trade Center Health Program at Rutgers is one of six national programs dedicated to serving 9/11 first responders and survivors, offering treatment for a wide range of health issues, including respiratory conditions, various cancers, and mental health disorders.
In 2023, Udasin, alongside Judith Graber from the Rutgers School of Public Health, secured federal benefits and compensation for women with uterine cancer linked to exposure at Ground Zero. Udasin expressed her commitment to caring for those who bravely responded to the disaster, stating her privilege in providing health services to law enforcement professionals.
Renowned for her strong patient relationships, Udasin is well-regarded by the first responder community she serves. Despite managing over 2,000 patients a year, she strives to understand her patients and their families to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Udasin emphasized the ongoing challenges her patients face, noting that certain cancers can develop 20 to 25 years after exposure to toxins, with many patients beginning to seek mental health support following retirement. She leads a dedicated team of 50 medical professionals to care for those affected by toxic exposure, with no costs to the patients for monitoring or treatment.