Abstract
Dr. Daniel Morton, 59, died on September 30, 2015, in Columbus, OH, following a long battle with cancer. He was a preeminent toxicologic and veterinary pathologist and laboratory animal veterinarian with a distinguished career marked by significant scientific contributions, a lasting global influence on drug safety assessment and, especially, a lifelong service to the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP), the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM), and the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists (STP). He graduated from Montana State University in 1978, with a degree in agriculture production. He received his DVM from Colorado State University in 1983, his MS degree in veterinary pathology from The Ohio State University in 1985 and his PhD in veterinary medical science from the University of Illinois in 1990. He was a diplomate of both ACLAM and ACVP. Following completion of his PhD program, he served as a clinical assistant professor and assistant director, Office of Laboratory Animal Care, University of Illinois from 1989 to 1993. He then moved to the Chicago area where he first served as a senior research scientist at Baxter Healthcare Corporation from 1993 to 1994 and then as a veterinary pathologist at Abbot Laboratories from 1994 to 1998. In 1998, he joined G. D. Searle in Skokie, IL, which in 2000 merged with Pharmacia and Upjohn to become Pharmacia Corporation. During his time at Searle and Pharmacia, he advanced from an assistant director to director and pathology site head. In 2003, Morton joined Pfizer following its acquisition of Pharmacia, moving to the Pfizer site in Groton Connecticut and subsequently to the Cambridge (afterward Andover) sites in Massachusetts. He served as an associate research fellow and a research fellow at Pfizer. Morton was a pioneer and thought leader in toxicologic and comparative pathology and drug safety risk assessment. Of particular significance was his contributions to carcinogenicity assessment. He led a sustained international effort over 2 decades, promoting the development of alternatives to the 2-year rodent carcinogenicity bioassay. His work ultimately altered scientific and regulatory thinking regarding these bioassays, with resultant reduction in the cost of drug development, more accurate carcinogenicity bioassays, and the reduction in animals used for carcinogenicity assessment of drug candidates. Morton also served the veterinary pathology and laboratory animal medicine communities in his career. He served in key leadership roles in the ACVP, including examination committee member and chair, chair of the role delineation task force, and as a member of the strategic planning committee. He served on the ACVP Certification Examination Board since its inception in 2011 through 2014 and served as a member of the Certifying Examination Redesign Committee from 2014 until his death. Concurrently, Dan served in a number of senior leadership positions in the STP, serving first as the secretary/treasurer and then as president. He also served many roles for the ACLAM, including stints on the examination committee, with service as chair, and on the training program recognition committee. Dr. Morton received a number of awards and recognitions during his career. In 2008, he received the Presidential Award from the ACVP for his leadership and vision in designing and completing the College’s first role delineation study. In 2013, he received the Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development Achievement Award for his body of work related to nonclinical carcinogenicity assessment. In 2014, he received STP’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his many contributions both to the organization and to the advancement of toxicologic pathology. In 2015, he was selected as a distinguished member of the ACVP. The last two awards are the highest awards given by these two professional organizations.
Dan’s most lasting contributions to his profession lie in his vision, his relentless pursuit of what he believed to be right, his challenge of the status quo, and his mentorship of those who worked with him. Dan was the epitome of the quiet leader: he led not through the force of his ego but by his thoughts and actions. He elevated the people around him, gave credit for successes rather than taking it, and accepted personal responsibility instead of directing blame at others. His effective leadership was influenced by his intelligence, kindness, integrity, and ability to generate consensus. Dan helped to guide a generation of toxicologic pathologists and the void that his death has left will be felt by many. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Laura Dill Morton, and two sons John Parker Morton and Mathew George Morton. Dan is also survived by his father, George Morton, his brother Ken (Diane) Morton, and his sister Lynne (Tom) Champitto. He was predeceased by his mother Betty Morton. He is also survived by his father- and mother-in-law Garrett (Sidney) Dill; brothers-in-law Brian (Marcie) Dill and Matt (Shannon) Dill; nieces Jenn (Miles) Hubbs and Caitlin Dill; and nephews Scott Morton, Michael Dill, Aaron Dill, and Tyler Dill.