Abstract
The loss of a family member or close friend brings a sense of personal sadness and a reflection of your relationships. When that loss is a friend who is of such stature that it surpasses personal and goes to the heart of your profession, it is a momentous event. Such is the case with the passing of Dr John Doull.
Dr Doull was an extraordinary man with whom I had the pleasure of knowing and talking with on numerous occasions about science and a wide range of topics. When I heard of his death, as a member of the editorial board, I felt the International Journal of Toxicology should take more than a fleeting moment to reflect on the impact this 1 person had on our field of endeavor
To that end, I contacted one of my mentors—Dr Bob Scala—for guidance as to who would be the best person to write a tribute for the Journal. Without hesitation, Bob suggested Dr Roger McClellan—one of John Doull’s lifelong friends. As expected, Bob was right since Roger had known John for 57 years. I believe that Roger has perfectly captured the essence of John Doull’s dedication to toxicology, to his family, and to his community in this tribute. John Doull was not only a giant in the field, but one of the most approachable, knowledgeable, and kindest people one could ever want to know.
John Doull’s legacy will live on for many years, but I think each of us should read this tribute to fully understand the true depth of the man. John was considerably more than just a name on the seminal textbook in our field—he was a friend, a scientist, an educator, a mentor, and a person we should all strive to be.