South Middlesex Times

Michael Vaiani, a survivor of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, expressed gratitude for the care he received from Iris Udasin, a medical doctor and Rutgers professor.

“It’s easy to say somebody cares, but Dr. Iris Udasin has a passion for people’s well-being. You can’t fake that,” said Vaiani, a resident of Wall Township, N.J. “She called me at 9:30 at night to tell me the CT scan is fine. Who does that?”

Vaiani was a member of the Secret Service working at Building 7 at the World Trade Center on 9/11. He represents thousands of first responders who have been under Udasin's care since she became the medical director of the World Trade Center Health Program at Rutgers’ Environmental Occupational Health Sciences Institute’s Clinical Center in 2003.

Now retired from service, Vaiani was injured while assisting people trapped in rubble near the Winter Garden Atrium and has been dealing with multiple health issues ever since. When he became a patient at Rutgers' clinic in 2008, he said Udasin's compassion made him feel like he was home.

“She’s a really special person,” said Vaiani, who has been Udasin’s patient for 16 years.

On September 11, 2024, Udasin will receive the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation’s “Service Above Self” award on behalf of law enforcement officers nationwide. The award will be presented at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C.

“Dr. Udasin has been selected for this prestigious award in recognition of her tireless efforts in support of first responders,” said Jon Adler, president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation. The program she oversees provided exams to 5,197 members and treats over 2,100 members annually.

The World Trade Center Health Program at Rutgers is one of six national programs serving first responders and survivors in New York and New Jersey as well as those living outside the metropolitan area. The program treats patients for ailments ranging from respiratory disorders to cancers and mental health issues associated with toxin exposure.

In 2023, Udasin and Judith Graber secured federal medical coverage and financial compensation for women exposed at Ground Zero who develop uterine cancer.

“I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to take care of the people who were brave and went into the disaster site,” said Udasin. “Law enforcement people continue to work dangerous jobs in order to make the world safe for all of us. I feel privileged to be able to provide physical and mental health services to the law enforcement community.”

Known for her patient relations, Udasin is well-regarded by first responders she serves. Despite seeing more than 2,000 patients annually, she gets to know her patients and their families personally.

“Our work is far from done,” Udasin said. “Solid cancers may occur 20 to 25 years after exposure – so many cancers we are concerned with are just being diagnosed now. And many patients seek mental health care after retirement.”

Udasin also oversees a team comprising doctors, nurses, case managers, mental health professionals and administrative staff who examine those affected by toxic fumes without cost to patients.