Dr. Robert M. Goldman

Dr. Robert "Bob" M. Goldman

CURRICULUM VITAE

Dr. Robert M. Goldman, MD, PhD, DO, FAASP, has spearheaded the development of numerous international medical organizations and corporations. Dr. Goldman has served as a Senior Fellow at the Lincoln Filene Center, Tufts University; as an Affiliate at the Philosophy of Education Research Center, Graduate School of Education, Harvard University; and also, as Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, Swinburne University, Australia. He is Clinical Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea Medical University. He is Professor, Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Central America Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Goldman holds the position of Visiting Professor, Udayana University School of Medicine, Indonesia. He also serves as Visiting Professor, Huazhong University of Science & Technology Tong Ji Medical School, rated among the top three medical universities in China; and Visiting Professor, The Wuhan Institute of Science & Technology, the top biotechnology private university in China. Dr. Goldman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sports Physicians, a Board Diplomat in Sports Medicine and Board Certified in Anti-Aging Medicine.

Dr. Goldman received his Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) from Brooklyn College in New York, then conducted three years of independent research in steroid biochemistry and attended the State University of New York. He received the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree from the Central America Health Sciences University, School of Medicine in Belize, a government-sanctioned, Ministry of Health-approved, and World Health Organization-listed medical university. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (DO) degree from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. His PhD work was in the field of androgenic anabolic steroid biochemistry.

Dr. Goldman co-founded and served as Chairman of the Board of Life Science Holdings, a biomedical research company which has had over 150 medical patents under development in the areas of brain resuscitation, trauma and emergency medicine, organ transplant and blood preservation technologies. He has overseen cooperative research agreement development programs in conjunction with such prominent institutions as the American National Red Cross, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Defense, and the FDA’s Center for Devices & Radiological Health.

Dr. Goldman is the recipient of the Gold Medal for Science, the Grand Prize for Medicine, the Humanitarian Award, and the Business Development Award.

Dr. Goldman received honors from Ministers of Sport and government health officials of numerous nations. In 2001, His Excellency Juan Antonio Samaranch, then IOC President, awarded Dr. Goldman the International Olympic Committee Tribute Diploma for contributions to the development of sport & Olympism.

In addition, Dr. Goldman is a black belt in karate, Chinese weapons expert, and world champion athlete with over 20 world strength records; he has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Some of his past performance records include 13,500 consecutive sit-ups and 321 consecutive handstand pushups.

Dr. Goldman was an All-College athlete in four sports, a three time winner of the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Physical Fitness Award, was voted Athlete of the Year, was the recipient of the Champions Award, and was inducted into the World Hall of Fame of Physical Fitness. Dr. Goldman was awarded the Healthy American Fitness Leader Award from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Goldman is Chairman of the IFBB Medical Commission overseeing sports medicine committees in over 180 nations. He has served as a Special Advisor to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. He is founder and international President Emeritus of the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the cofounder and Chairman of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Dr. Goldman visits an average of 20 countries annually to promote brain research and sports medicine programs.

INTERVIEW BY IFBBPRO.COM

"Death in the Locker Room: Steroids & Sports" by Dr. Bob Goldman

How did you become involved with the IFBB?
This is a very interesting journey. When I was 14 years old, I wrote my first letter to Ben Weider who, at the time, was President of the International Federation of BodyBuilders, the IFBB. I told him I wanted to be an Olympic sports medicine doctor and also, that I had just set my first world strength and endurance record. To my amazement, he answered me promptly, advised me to work hard and my dream would one day come true, and congratulated me on my record achievements. This was the start of a relationship that has spanned almost 40 years.

When I was completing college at age 19, I wrote to Ben again about my research interest in anabolic steroids. He asked if I was interested in putting together a report for the IFBB on steroids and drug abuse in sports. Over the next year, I worked closely with Pamela Kagan [IFBB Executive Director] to compile what was at that time the most comprehensive report ever assembled on the topic, with over 270 medical references. The year was 1974 and this was way before anyone was taking a close look at these issues and even before steroid tests were available.

As it turned out, the members of the IFBB Medical Commission at the time didn’t like the thought of a 19-year-old authoring such an advanced work and convinced Ben (who was very gracious and apologetic to me) not to publish it.

This report became the basis for my first book entitled "DEATH IN THE LOCKER ROOM: STEROIDS AND SPORTS", which was published in 1984 and which went on to become the most definitive work ever written on the subject at that point in time [the book was since re-issued by four different publishing houses]. Of course, the report eventually did get published by the IFBB when I was elected Member of the IFBB Medical Commission in 1985 and became the most popular report ever published by the IFBB at that point in time - translated into over 30 languages.

In 1986, in Tokyo, Japan, you were elected Chairman of the IFBB Doping Committee. Also in 1986, the IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships became the first IFBB drug tested event. What role did you play in this historic decision to implement drug testing at IFBB international amateur events?
I did the work-ups to establish the doping control protocols and steroid standards and had the honor of working with the world renowned Prof. Dr. Manfred Donike for the first time. It was, and is, rare for a young newly-graduated physician to work with a medical legend.

In 1988, in Brisbane, Australia, the Medical & Research Committee was restructured and became the IFBB Medical & Doping Committee, with you named as Chairman. What were your goals in advancing anti-doping within the IFBB?
Ben Weider charged me with setting up and overseeing sports medicine and doping control committees in the over 160 countries that were affiliated to the IFBB. At that time, doping control was still a new undertaking and, along with Paul Graham of Australia, we did an educational lecture tour of Australia and worked with the scientists at the Brisbane laboratory and their Olympic officials to gain them needed access to steroid standard samples. Few people know it, but Paul Graham personally funded much of this activity at the time. That laboratory evolved into the Sydney Olympic laboratory for the 2000 Olympic Games. So, in an indirect way, the IFBB paved the way for the drug testing lab used during the Australian 2000 Olympic Games.

In 1992, in Graz, Austria, you received the IFBB Distinguished Service Award from Ben Weider? Do you recall your feelings at receiving one of the highest honors within the IFBB?
Any time I had the honor of receiving an award from Ben Weider is a day I remember forever. He has served as a mentor and educator for so many, and I was honored to be one of his students and protégés. Ben is probably most responsible for where I am today and for what I have achieved in life.

In 1995, Prof. Dr. Manfred Donike of Germany, Special Advisor to the IFBB Medical & Doping Committee, passed away. Prof. Dr. Donike was head of the IOC Doping Commission and a world-renowned expert in the field of doping in sport. You had worked closely with him since 1986. How would you characterize his contribution to the IFBB?
Prof. Dr. Donike was a remarkable individual and one of the most hardcore scientists I have had the honor of working with. His contributions towards elevating the credibility and legitimacy of the IFBB in this arena were critical at the time and I know we are all grateful for his involvement and assistance. The man certainly did enjoy his wine with dinner and despite his rotund belly was an exceptional cyclist.

In 1997, in Prague, Czech Republic, Prof. Dr. Eduardo H. de Rose of Brazil was appointed Special Advisor. Your thoughts on the contributions Prof. Dr. de Rose has made, and continues to make, to the IFBB?
Prof. Dr. de Rose has been a very valued friend, teacher, colleague, mentor and true professional in his work with the IFBB. He is very well respected around the world and I have had the pleasure of being with him at the Olympic Games. Eduardo is a top-shelf scientist, sports official and friend.

Also in 1997, President Weider met with His Excellency Juan Antonio Samaranch, IOC President, at IOC Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, and was extremely proud to present the IOC with a copy of the new "IFBB Doping Control Policy and Anti-Doping Program", modeled after the "Olympia Movement Anti-Doping Code". What were your thoughts on the decision to conform our anti-doping rules to those of the IOC?
Ben Weider is one of the most dedicated and determined individuals I have ever met and the goal of Olympic recognition was his passion, just like his passion for Napoleonic history. It was a great decision and achievement for sure.

On January 31, 1998, President Weider was awakened with the news that the IOC Executive Board has voted to grant provisional recognition to the IFBB pursuant to Rule 29 of the Olympic Charter. As President Weider later said, "This moment has come after 52 years of blood, sweat and tears!" What did it mean to you that the IFBB became the first, and only, bodybuilding organization in the world to be officially recognized by the IOC?
I would say this announcement was one of the finest hours in the half-century lifespan of the IFBB and all of us were very proud of the federation and of Ben’s achievement, as it was his unwavering drive that made it happen.

In 1998, in Izmir, Turkey, President Weider presented you with the IFBB Achievement Medal. What were your thoughts on being honored with one of the IFBB’s top awards?
Years ago, there were two events that sum up my thoughts on this matter. A person once asked me why I worked so hard as a volunteer for the IFBB, even to the point of significant personal expense, and advised I should tell Ben that I should be paid to do this work. I told him the only thing I would ever say to President Weider was, "Is there anything else I can do for you".  My position is an honor and the awards are just recognition of the privilege of working for such a fine organization.

One time Ben asked me to handle a very time-intensive task that I felt could be done by many others and so, I asked him why he was having me do it. He stated, "I give it to you, as I know if I give a busy man a task it will get done fast, as he does not have time to waste". I remember this lesson to this day.

In November 2003, President Weider signed an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that saw the IFBB become a Signatory to the WADA Code. In 2005, the IFBB International Congress voted to adopt the WADA Code and to enshrine this decision in the IFBB Constitution. Just recently, in January 2008, WADA confirmed that the IFBB Anti-Doping Rules were in complete conformity with the WADA Code? What are your thoughts on these important decisions?
As we move towards wider recognition in the Olympic family, this is just a necessary "rite of passage".

Dr. Bob Goldman preparing to present his annual report to the IFBB Executive Council and Congress 1989, Paris, France

In 2005, in Shanghai, China, you received the IFBB Gold Order, the highest award within the IFBB. What are your thoughts on receiving such a prestigious award?
This was my most treasured award, as I wanted to join brothers Dr. Rafael Santonja, Datuk Paul Chua and sister Pamela Kagan with having this great honor. This is the only IFBB award that I list on my CV - I value it so much.

At the annual IFBB Executive Council and IFBB Congress meetings, you are always eloquent in your address to the Council and Congress, particularly your support of Ben Weider and Dr. Rafael Santonja. Can you tell us what these two individuals mean to you?
There are but a few people who have truly shaped my life and being and have mentored me; people who I would do literally anything for without questioning their needs or reasoning. These two great men fall into this rarified category. They are truly historic figures and I am lucky to have them as my close friends.

I’ve already mentioned how important Ben Weider has been, and continues to be, to me. You can’t imagine how great I felt, at age 14, to be holding a letter from a childhood idol who I knew of because of my strength and endurance endeavors. His words of encouragement stayed with me all the while I pursued my dream. He believed in me and was instrumental in my becoming Medical Chair of the IFBB, one of the largest international amateur sport federations in the world. He is my mentor, my colleague and my dear friend.

Although I was saddened to see Ben resign as IFBB President in 2006, I know that the future of the IFBB is very secure and bright under the exceptional leadership of the new IFBB President, Dr. Rafael Santonja. Rafael’s energy is boundless and his leadership skills make him absolutely the right person to guide our great federation into the future. Founder and Honorary Life President Ben Weider couldn’t have made a better choice when he nominated his protégé Rafael as the first new IFBB President in 60 years.

IFBB President Ben Weider is shown here presenting Dr. Bob Goldman with the IFBB Achievement Medal 1998, Izmir, Turkey

I understand you are intimately involved with the anti-aging movement.  Can you tell us a bit about this?
Due to the exceptional international contacts I have made as Chairman of the IFBB Medical Commission, it has allowed me to launch several worldwide industries and organizations. I founded the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), which held the first ever personal fitness trainer certification in 1989 and, one year later, over 270 other certification groups popped up.  I also trademarked the term "CPT" [Certified Personal Trainer], which is an acronym now used around the world. In 1992, Dr. Ronald Klatz and I created the anti-aging medical profession, founded the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), which has since grown into the largest medical society in the world in preventative medicine and the largest medical conference and expo business globally, in over 100 nations.  It was my IFBB training and contacts that made this all possible.

Anti-aging medicine has obviously expanded rapidly since 1992?  What are the main focuses of this field?  What are some of the exciting developments in anti-aging?
One of the things I have always done during my career is benchmark my goals as to what Ben and Joe Weider accomplished during their stellar journey.  I look at where they were at specific stages and their age … the size of the publications, or the championships, shows and commercial events and ventures, and this has been very useful for me in seeking higher and more lofty goals.  What they have achieved, in essence, was the creation of an entirely new industry and paradyme shift in the world. 

That was how I viewed the anti-aging and regenerative medicine field.  The need for a new approach to medicine that is not disease based but preventative, healthy and proactively focused on combatting the diseases of aging was so needed in the world of medicine.  The Anti-Aging Medical industry in 1992, when we launched the field, was generating zero dollars and by the year 2012, it is epected to exceed 115 billion US$!   Dr. Klatz and I came up with the term Anti-Aging Medicine, formed the first and now the largest medical society in the world - the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine(A4M) and the World Anti-Aging Academy of Medicine (WAAAM), and have membership delegations in over 100 nations.  I modeled this federation after the IFBB, forming affiliated national governing bodies like the IOC that hold medical conferences just like the IFBB holds championships in bodybuilding and fitness. 

Dr. Bob Goldman receiving the IFBB’s highest award, the IFBB Gold Order, from IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja and IFBB Executive Director Pamela Kagan 2005, Shanghai, China

Physicians gravitate to us globally, as they are seeking solutions for their own deteriorating health, and get such good results that they then want to employ these technologies for their patients.  Realize the baby boomer population in the U.S.A. is the most influential and powerful group in history, controlling more than 7 trillion US$ of wealth and generating an additional 2 trillion US$ in income annually.  The most common comments we get at our conferences (were we train over 30,000 doctors each year and have trained well over 100,000 physicians since the program’s inception and educate on-line over 500,000 health professionals) is - "This is the best medical conference I have ever been to" … "I have not been this excited about practicing medicine since I graduated from medical school".  This makes all the hard work worthwhile.

The new exciting developments are in the arena of stems cells, genetic engineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology.  When these technologies fully come on board, the world will change forever, just like the telecommunications world of cell phones, microchips and the Internet has so changed our lives and how we live.  Expect life spans exceeding 150 years when this happens.

Do you have any hobbies? How do you spend your leisure time?
Like Ben, I am a serious art collector, but most of my time is spent in education and research, trying to solve the aging riddle, and of course my dedication to the IFBB, which I am proud to say, is now over 28 years of volunteer service … I hope another 28 to follow.

What type of art interests you?
The is actually tied directly to my work with the IFBB.  Every time we would have a proposed championship in a country, I would research the history and culture of that country (just like the intense interest of IFBB leaders Ben Weider and Rafael Santonja with respect to past wars and conflicts of different natures and cultures).  I would then seek out the odd and interesting art of that country with great intensity, whether it be temple doorways from Bali or Yangon, or the sabers, daggers or kriis’s from Malaysia and so on.  For the most part, I like very large, ornate heavy pieces … so I get a good workout while I enjoy moving the art in.

Dr. Bob Goldman at work completing a Doping Control Form at the Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships 2005, Shanghai, China

Tell us about your martial arts skills?
I trained in a series of martial arts and achieved my black belt and I am also a Chinese weapons expert.  I competed for over a decade in full-contract karate tournaments.  Specifically, I studied a series of Kung Fu styles in New York’s Chinatown, as well as Japanese Shotokan Karate.  This training came in quite useful when I was training for a berth on the Olympic team for freestyle wrestling early in my athletic competitive years.

You were listed in the Guinness Book of Records?
Yes.  I set over 20 world records and many were listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Can you elaborate on some of your more interesting records?
The one that brought the most international attention was the handstand pushup record, which I set numerous times and was listed a number of times in different years of the Guinness Book of World Records.  Mine was the first time they ever listed it as an offical record, and then it became sort of an ongoing international competition between those in gymnastics and was actively sought.  Another record that was interesting was the situp record, however, when I did it, we were required to do situps straight legged and with the hands behind the neck, touching the alternate elbow to the knee.  My best record was 13,500 consecutive situps, done in about 13 straight hours.  Later, they changed the rules and these were performed bent leg as crunches, so of course much easier … and even allowed the competitors to take rest breaks, which was not the case when I did them.

Another record of interest was the one-handed overhead straight arm extension pushup, which is very difficult and very few people (even your strongest athletes) could get off the ground to do even one.  That best record attempt was 161 consecutive repetitions.

Do you have any pet peeves?
I think a lack of passion in people. We get one go-round in life and so many talented people waste their lives making excuses for what they could have done instead of taking pride in what they did achieve. The IFBB is a federation built on brotherhood and achievement.

You serve as Medical Advisor to the IFBB Professional League. What are your thoughts on pro sport?
The Pro League is very fortunate to have such a gifted and strong leader like Jim Manion. Although very exciting for the fans, it is also very challenging due to the drug issues. Ironically, as genetic engineering comes into the mix, drugs will be old news. Better get ready for 8 foot tall 400 pound athletes with 4% body fat … unfortunately with very short life spans. But this challenge will be in all sports and not just bodybuilding.

Do you have a mentor? Individuals you looked/look up to? People who supported/support you who you’d like to thank?
I spoke of Ben and Rafael. Arnold was also a great inspiration and working with him on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was a remarkable experience. He is probably the most charismatic human to ever grace this planet.

Do you have a life motto or "words to live by"? A philosophy of life?
Never give up, never surrender and always believe in yourself and life goals. Always try to do good for those around you, expecting nothing in return … only do it because it’s the right thing to do. Always give generously and mentor the next generation of leaders.

Any final thoughts?
Very nice of IFBBPRO.com to consider doing this FEATURE article on me. Thank you!

Dr. Bob Goldman poses with IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja and Special Advisor to the 
IFBB Medical Commission Prof. Dr. Eduardo H. De Rose
2007, Jeju, South Korea

QUOTES

I have known Bob Goldman for over 30 years.  Throughout all these years, I have watched him grow and mature, and turn into an outstanding individual who is making a great mark in the health and fitness lifestyles field.

Bob Goldman has to be one of the most dedicated, capable and professional individuals I have ever met.  He is good-natured, sensitive, understanding and cooperative, and dedicates his life towards improving the health of peoples worldwide.

Bob is now concentrating his efforts on anti-aging and is doing his best to assure that people live longer, happier and more productive lives.

I salute this extraordinary individual, whom I admire and respect.

Ben Weider, OC, CStJ, CQ, PhD
IFBB Founder and Honorary Life President
President, IFBB Professional League

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Dr. Bob Goldman with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Since my first meeting with Dr. Bob Goldman almost 30 years ago, I realized his great human and scientific innovative caliber. 

He has settled new ways for public health, pioneering anti-aging and regenerative medicine.

Bob Goldman´s passion for sport, friendly and generous personality is a source of inspiration for all those that have the privilege of knowing him.

Dr. Rafael Santonja
President
International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB)

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Bob Goldman has always been a great supporter of the National Physique Committee of the U.S.A. and the IFBB Professional League.

Bob is always available to provide his expert opinion regarding medical issues.

It has been my pleasure to work with Bob both professionally and personally over the past 25 years.

Jim Manion
Chairman, NPC
IFBB Vice President for North America
Chairman, IFBB Professional League

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I have known Bob for more than 30 years and worked closely with him on his very first anti-doping document back when doping in sport was not the issue it is today.  To produce such a well-researched and comprehensive report on doping in the late 70’s clearly demonstrated Bob’s commitment to health and fitness, a commitment which has continued unabated for over 30 years.

I respect Bob very much for his tenacity, intelligence, work ethics and friendly, outgoing personality.   He is always upbeat and always sees things in a positive light.

Bob is constantly traveling to promote fitness and the anti-aging lifestyle and yet still manages to find time to keep in touch with his IFBB colleagues.

Pamela Kagan
IFBB Executive Director

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This entry was posted on Friday, June 13th, 2008 at 9:20 am and is filed under Features.