Obituary: Richard T. Johnson, M.D.

Abstract

Presents an obituary of Richard T. Johnson (1931-2015). He is called as 'Father of Neurovirology'. He was a legend and an extraordinary person. He was brilliant, funny, adventurous, sincerely kind, engaged with so much of the world, and committed to making a difference, which he did in many realms. He was intensely curious, deeply thoughtful, and wise. The world lost a truly a great man who inspired the careers of many. Throughout his career, Johnson held many leadership positions in professional societies. He was the President of the Baltimore Neurological Society (1973–74), 2nd Vice President of the American Academy of Neurology (1975–77), Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society (1975–81), President of the American Neurological Association (1986–87) and Chair of the Medical Advisory Board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (1985–90). He frequently chaired several key committees for the National Academy of Sciences and the Food and Drug Administration. Johnson's passing away has left a huge hole in the fields of neurology and neurovirology that will never be filled. But the many pleasant memories that we have of him will be cherished forever. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)