Working with Phil was a Life Changing Experience

Abdo Yazbeck, Washington, DC

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Working with Phil on the World Development Report in 1992-93 was a life changing experience professionally and personally. We had access to the best minds in health and health economics, and there was little doubt on the team as to who had the sharpest mind. Phil was the person we all went to when we had a difficult problem to solve or a dispute to resolve.

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Phil was also the person we went to when we needed to laugh. Ever since those days, I have relied on Phil for advice and guidance, and he always came through. I went to him again for more advice not long before he died and over a wonderful lunch he came through again with amazing clarity and a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss my teacher and my friend.