Dr. Bernard A. Schwetz

Bernard A. Schwetz, DVM, PhD, passed away on December 31, 2023, in Cary, NC where he lived since July, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Hansen Schwetz, his parents, Frank and Lucille Schwetz, and his brothers, Francis, Thomas and Robert. He is survived by his son, Matthew, who lives in Albuquerque, NM, his daughter, Megan, who lives in Traverse City, MI, his grandson, Jaxson McHugh, who lives in Yakima, WA, and William and Gloria Schwetz of Cadott, WI, and their children in Wisconsin and Colorado.

During his career as a scientist and administrator in industry and the US government, Dr. Schwetz worked as a research scientist to better understand and lessen health risks associated with exposure to chemicals in daily life activities. He was an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. During his 25 years in the US Public Health Service, Dr. Schwetz served as the Director of the National Center for Toxicological Research, the Chief Scientist of the US Food and Drug Administration, the Deputy Commissioner and the Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and the director of the Office for Human Research Protections in the US Department of Health and Human Services. He retired from federal service in 2007 and moved to WI with his herd of alpacas. In November, 2012, he moved to Taiwan and worked as the English Editor for the Chung Shan Medical University Hospital in Taiwan. He returned to the US in June, 2014, and in July, 2016, he moved to Cary, NC.

During his service within the US Public Service, he received numerous awards from the Department of Health and Human Services and scientific societies. In 2016, he was selected by the School District of Cadott, WI, his home town, to be included in the Cadott Hall of Honor for his roles as an educator, statesman and community servant.