Srully Blotnick

Srully D. Blotnick (birth date|1941|05|22 – death date|2004|12|18) was an American author and journalist.Thomson Gale (April 26, 2006). Biography - Blotnick, Srully (D.) (1941-). "Contemporary Authors"] Notable books include "Getting Rich Your Own Way," "Computers Made Ridiculously Easy," "The Corporate Steeplechase: Predictable Crises in a Business Career," "Otherwise Engaged: The Private Lives of Successful Career Women," and "Ambitious Men: Their Drives, Dreams and Delusions."Jones, Alex S. (July 21, 1987). [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9B0DE2DE1039F932A15754C0A961948260 Forbes Column Ended As Research Is Doubted.] "New York Times"]

Education

An expert swimmer, Blotnick first attended the University of Miami, but he later transferred to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for math. After receiving his BS degree, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then Princeton University, where he received his MA in math and physics, with honors. His interest in mathematical models in sociology took him to Columbia University where a survey was being conducted, funded by the National Science Foundation and he joined a team of researchers. The head of the project died suddenly and the team was left leaderless, unfunded, so Blotnick joined a Wall Street firm for the next 7 years as a research analyst, but his interest in the study continued and he began to write books on the topics.

His first two books were solid efforts based on experience and were critical successes. His publishers were eager for more and urged him to get a Ph.D from a mail order university, they convinced him that his research would be better received if there were a Ph.D after his name. Blotnick, an academic uncomfortable in the world of promotion and PR, reluctantly agreed. He obtained a Ph.D. in 1978 from Pacific Western University, correspondence school in Los Angeles. His publicity machine claimed the NSF grant as the foundation for on-going research that gave him an inside track on society and investing. He became a business psychology columnist for "Forbes" magazine and began writing social science books.

Investigation into credentials and methodology

However, in time, the press found out that his social research books were not supported by the claims he made. Blotnick was not charged with any crimes but his "Forbes" column was cancelled on July 20, 1987. He was also the subject of a New York State criminal investigation for describing himself as a psychologist without a license.Associated Press (July 24, 1987). [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE1D81E30F937A15754C0A961948260 Columnist Investigated By New York Officials.] "New York Times"] Blotnick did not have a license to practice psychology in New York at that time, but he described himself in print as a "business psychologist" and often used the title "Dr." He was not convicted of any charges and the case against him was dismissed.

Later life

Blotnick refused to acknowledge fraud on his part and followed his avid interest in biomedical research. He was admitted to Harvard Medical School, the oldest graduate student ever accepted by HMS, and received his PhD in cell biology in 1994. While there he published several peer-reviewed contributions to the medical field, considered brilliant by all standards. He was a post-doctoral fellow.

Blotnick was listed in a 1995 medical paper as affiliated with the Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, Harvard Medical School, and Surgical Research, Children's Hospital Boston.Peoples GE et al. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=7604030&query_hl=3&itool=pubmed_docsum T lymphocytes that infiltrate tumors and atherosclerotic plaques produce heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor: A potential pathologic role.] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 92, pp. 6547-6551, July 1995 Immunology.]

When Blotnick died of pulmonary fibrosis in 2004, Cambridge, Massachusetts City Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio passed a resolution at the next meeting noting Blotnick's death. [http://www.rwinters.com/council/122004.htm Cambridge City Council meeting – December 20, 2004 – AGENDA] 82. Resolution on the death of Srully Blotnick. Councillor Galluccio]

Progeny

Srully Blotnick leaves behind his wife, Judy and two children, Gregory and Emily.

References