In Memoriam

Jordan N. Fink, MD, FAAAAI, an iconic figure in the A/I field worked tirelessly during his long career at the Medical College of Wisconsin (formerly Marquette University’s School of Medicine), where he trained over 50 fellows and developed the careers of numerous medical faculty members. He was a dedicated researcher and clinician. His observation in the late 1960’s led to the clinical description, science and treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonia. Over the course of his career, he authored 368 papers. He was well-known for his contributions to information about allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), ABPA in patients with cystic fibrosis and latex allergy.

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Prof. K. Frank Austen, a pioneering figure in allergy and immunology, passed away on June 23, 2022, at 95, leaving a profound legacy in medicine spanning six decades. His rigorous research, mentorship, and leadership, notably at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, advanced the understanding of asthma and allergy, shaping the careers of numerous leaders in the field.

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Dr. Bienenstock, considered a father of mucosal immunology, began his illustrious career at McMaster University in 1968, remaining there until his retirement in 1998, after which he continued as director of the McMaster Brain Body Institute until his passing. With over 500 peer-reviewed articles, 10 books, and numerous accolades including membership in prestigious societies, his impact on the field and mentorship of over 60 post-doctoral fellows and 10 doctoral students is profound and enduring.

Tribute from McMaster University

Dr. Lichtenstein, a renowned immunologist at Johns Hopkins University for over 40 years, conducted pioneering research on asthma and allergies to ragweed and bee venom, mentoring over 150 doctors from 30 countries through the Division of Clinical Immunology and later the Asthma and Immunology Center. His profound impact extended to publishing over 700 scholarly works and receiving prestigious recognition, including the Cavaliere di Gran Croce from the Italian government in 1998, a rare honor for his collaboration in training young Italian doctors.

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Hans Bisgaard, a leading figure in childhood asthma research, passed away on September 8, 2022, leaving a legacy of groundbreaking work in pediatric medicine. His research, which led to the development of montelukast and advocated for inhaled corticosteroids in young children, alongside his establishment of the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), revolutionized our understanding of asthma development and prevention, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

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Prof. Tak Hong Lee passed away peacefully on August 26, 2022, surrounded by family at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. His remarkable career spanned three continents, including Boston, London, and Hong Kong, where he dedicated himself to advancing medicine and pioneering research in asthma and allergy. His groundbreaking contributions earned him a CBE appointment by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, reflecting his significant impact on his field.

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Susan M. MacDonald, M.D., a pioneering advocate for women in medicine, passed away on September 9, 2020, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and advancement in academia. Her impactful research in immunology and allergy, combined with her leadership in faculty development and dedication to mentorship, continues to inspire generations of faculty members.

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Barry Kay, an eminent figure in allergy and immunology, passed away at 81, leaving a legacy of pioneering research and leadership in asthma and allergy mechanisms. Serving as emeritus professor at Imperial College London and co-founding Circassia, he mentored numerous PhD students, co-edited Clinical & Experimental Allergy, and played pivotal advisory roles in allergy-related committees, shaping the field globally.

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