The Nature of Nurture : Biology, Environment, and the Drug-Exposed Child
Ira J. Chasnoff, M.D., is president of Children's Research Triangle and a professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago.  He is one of the nation's leading researchers in the field of maternal drug use during pregnancy and the effects on the newborn infant and child. His research projects include a study of the long-term cognitive, behavioral and educational developmental effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol, cocaine and other drugs and the effectiveness of both outpatient and residential treatment programs for pregnant drug abusers.  Dr. Chasnoff led the development and operation of a laboratory preschool program to develop specific interventions for children prenatally exposed to alcohol and other drugs and developed a model Head Start Family Service Center for children and their families at risk from drugs and the drug-seeking environment.Dr. Chasnoff received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and served a pediatric residency at Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago.  He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and has been a member of the Society for Pediatric Research and the Society for Research in Child Development.  He is the author of four previous books and numerous articles on the effects of drug use on pregnancy and on the long-term cognitive, behavioral, and learning outcomes of prenatally exposed children.The recipient of several awards for his work with high risk women, children, and families, Dr. Chasnoff for the past six years has been selected by a poll of physicians across the nation for listing in America's Best Doctor's, recognized for his ability to translate complex medical and psychological issues into relevant policy that guides the delivery of quality services.