I n M e m o r i a m

Thomas G. Pickering, MD, DPhil

Marvin Moser, MDEditor in Chief

Gentleman and scholar—words that are mostapt to describe Tom Pickering who died

May 14, 2009 at the age of 69. Other wordsthat might appropriately be applied include ethi-cal, elegant, thoughtful, educator, mentor. Tomwas a physician who did not let the marketplacedetermine his writings, research, or career direc-tion. His research helped to answer importantquestions in his chosen field of hypertensionresearch. He approached problems in a tirelessand scholarly manner, influencing the careers ofmany young investigators. His belief that beha-vioral changes played an important role in vascu-lar disease was well known and documented. Asdirector of the Behavioral Cardiovascular andHypertension Program and Professor of Medicineat the Columbia University College of Physiciansand Surgeons, he made significant contributionsto the understanding of white coat and maskedhypertension.

Tom was the associate editor in chief of TheJournal of Clinical Hypertension for the past10 years. During that time he participated in manyexpert panel discussions and wrote instructivecommentaries and editorials. You could alwaystell when Dr Pickering’s articles were sent forreview—impeccable English, superb grammar, andan important message.

Tom was a good friend for more than 20 yearsand interacted with literally hundreds of colleagueswho shared their respect for him as a person and hisintellectual honesty. There are fewer physicianstoday to whom the word professional can truly begiven, in an era where business and systems havebegun to dominate the medical world. Tom, thescholar and gentleman, was a true professional. Wewill miss his low-key but incisive comments at meet-ings, his honesty and integrity, and his provocativethoughts. Above all, we will miss his friendship. Ourcondolences go to his wife, Janet, and his family.

doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7176.2009.00144.x

THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION VOL. 11 NO. 6 JUNE 2009300