As the nation reflects on the life of Senator Edward Kennedy, we’ve heard from people on both sides of the political aisle talking about his passion and his fairness. I’ve described him as a complicated man who necessitates a complicated tribute.

The world will remember him as a gifted statesman with two large blemishes that altered his political life forever. In the summer of 1969 he was responsible for the death of Mary Jo Kopechne in what will forever be remembered simply as 'Chappaquiddick.' The other infamous moment was his interview with CBS News' Roger Mudd, which he granted after tossing in his hat for the presidency. When asked why he wanted to be the nation’s top leader, Kennedy paused and meandered. His response was so unconvincing that his presidential hopes were immediately dashed.

Those events opened what became 47 rich years as a public servant in the U.S. senate. As a physician, I can’t help but look at the senator's accomplishments that really stand alone outside the political spotlight.

Senator Kennedy's name was attached in some way to over 2,500 pieces of legislation. Imagine that. In the end, he was instrumental in creating the National Cancer Institute, strengthening the Food and Drug Administration, raising the minimum age, increasing funding for women's collegiate sports (Title IX), passing the Ryan White bill (which stopped AIDS discrimination), increasing funding for AIDS, cancer, and stem cell research, introducing COBRA coverage, making health insurance coverage portable (HIPAA), giving employees paid sick leave, ensuring equal opportunity for women in combat, boosting funding for people with disabilities, increasing bioterrorism preparedness, regulating tobacco products, extending Medicaid to children, and upping funding for vaccinations. The list goes on.

Needless to say, Sen. Kennedy’s legislation touched all of us. And on a light note, he even had time to introduce resolution #482, congratulating the Boston Red Sox on winning the 2004 World Series.