Marilyn Dix Smith, ISPOR’s Founding Executive Director, Passes Away

Published Oct 23, 2018

Dr Smith Guided and Shaped ISPOR For Nearly 20 Years

Lawrenceville, NJ, USA—October 22, 2018—It is with great sadness that ISPOR—the professional society for health economics and outcomes research, announces the passing of its Founding Executive Director, Marilyn Dix Smith, RPh, PhD. Dr Smith passed away the morning of October 21, 2018. 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. Dr Smith will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. 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 found here. Comments will be posted to Dr Smith's remembrance page found here.

###

  ABOUT ISPOR ISPOR, the professional society for health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), is an international, multistakeholder, nonprofit dedicated to advancing HEOR excellence to improve decision making for health globally. The Society is the leading source for scientific conferences, peer-reviewed and MEDLINE®-indexed publications, good practices guidance, education, collaboration, and tools/resources in the field. Web: www.ispor.org | LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/ISPOR-LIn | Twitter: www.twitter.com/ISPORorg (@ISPORorg) | YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ISPORorg/videos | Facebook: www.facebook.com/ISPORorg | Instagram: www.instagram.com/ISPORorg    

Related Stories

The Ozempic Paradox: How Spending Billions on Weight-Loss Drug Would Actually Reduce Overall Medicare Costs

Oct 14, 2025

Value in Health, the official journal of ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, announced today the publication of a landmark study by researchers at the University of Washington, Curta, Inc, and the University of North Carolina showing that broad Medicare coverage of semaglutide in diabetes, obesity, and liver disease could generate significant cost savings while delivering substantial health benefits to beneficiaries. The report, “Comprehensive Access to Semaglutide: Clinical and Economic Implications for Medicare,” was published in the October 2025 issue of Value in Health.

ISPOR Europe 2025 Plenaries and Speakers Announced

Oct 13, 2025

ISPOR announced details for its ISPOR Europe 2025. The conference is the leading global conference in Europe for health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and is scheduled for 9-12 November in Glasglow, Scotland, UK with the theme, “Powering Value and Access Through Patient-Centered Collaboration.”
Your browser is out-of-date

ISPOR recommends that you update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on ispor.org. Update my browser now

×