It is with a very heavy heart that ISPOR announces the passing of its Founding Executive Director, Marilyn Dix Smith, RPh, PhD. Dr Smith passed away the morning of October 21, 2018.
We know you join the ISPOR membership, staff, and leadership in mourning a friend, inspiring colleague, and the guiding force behind ISPOR’s foundation, growth, and direction. Dr Smith’s vision shaped ISPOR into the leading, global organization for health economics and outcomes research (HEOR). She led the Society through many milestones, including its first scientific conference on HEOR in 1996, the establishment of its regional chapters, the launch of its flagship publication Value in Health, the creation of the Society’s short course program, the founding of its student network, the organization of its global consortia and networks, and the development of its books and many online HEOR resources.
For nearly 20 years Dr Marilyn Dix Smith was the guiding force behind ISPOR’s foundation, growth, and direction. She also recognized and greatly valued the contributions of its members and leaders. Upon her retirement in 2014, Dr Smith requested that the Society establish an award to recognize outstanding volunteer leaders for their consistent, broad, and meaningful direction to ISPOR. The Marilyn Dix Smith Leadership Award was established that year in honor of Dr Smith.
Prior to founding ISPOR Dr Smith served in a number of executive roles at Lederle Laboratories, including director, managed care pharmacy and director, quality control. Dr Smith received her BS in pharmacy and PhD in pharmaceutical science from Ohio State University. She published a number of scientific articles and delivered many presentations over the years on HEOR-related topics. Dr Smith was also a cofounder of the American Association for Pharmaceutical Scientists, a member of the American Society of Association Executives, and involved in many other pharmacy and healthcare professional organizations.
ISPOR offers its condolences to Dr Smith’s husband Dr William F. McGhan who was ISPOR’s first President, to her children, and to her family and many loved ones.
For those who would like to pay tribute, post a comment, or tell a story about Dr Smith as the inspiring friend, colleague, and leader that she was, please complete the comment form below. Comments will be posted to Dr Smith's remembrance page found here.