Michael Shannon (pediatrician) - Biography - Medical Career

Medical Career

A professor at Harvard Medical School, he was the first African-American to be named a full professor of pediatrics at the institution when he was named to the post in November 2004. Shannon had also been the first African American to serve as a division chief at Children's Hospital Boston and had served as chief of both the emergency medicine and clinical pharmacology departments since being added to the staff of the hospital in 1983. He achieved board certification in medical toxicology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and pediatric emergency medicine.

He was an expert on the toxicological effects of exposure of children to hazards such as alcohol and drugs, as well as lead paint, becoming a spokesman against the improper use by children of these substances. Shannon testified before Congress regarding cold medicines that could be dangerous for children. He also contributed to the toxicology literature by investigating different aspects of the toxicity of drugs such as cocaine, theophylline, and tricyclic antidepressants. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and held the position of president of the American College of Medical Toxicology.

With the American Academy of Pediatrics, he wrote a 2003 recommendation that homes and schools within range of nuclear power plants should maintain stockpiles of iodine pills to prevent thyroid cancer in case of an accidental release of radiation. In 2005, his testimony on the effects of lead paint in children led to a verdict against three paint manufacturers which was later overturned on appeal by the Rhode Island Supreme Court.