It was with great sadness that the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy heard that our colleague, friend and committee member Dr John McFadden died on 21 October 2023 after a long illness.
He was appointed a senior registrar in Contact Dermatitis and then appointed consultant with academic sessions at St John’s Institute of Dermatology making up the legendary triumvirate with Dr Ian White and Dr Richard Rycroft in the “Contact Clinic”.
Dr White recalls that John had a brilliant mind and always had a different perspective on scientific matters, which allowed him to make original and often pivotal hypotheses. He had a unique way of looking at immunological issues, which was inspiring.
His contribution to the patch testing community was huge and with his love of travel led to international collaborations, studies, lectures and highly regarded textbooks
He spent almost the last 6 months of his life as an inpatient in St. Thomas’ and then Guy’s but remained positive, planning for meetings in 2024 and delegating projects to registrars and clinical fellows. His intellect was countered by an irreverent sense of humour and kindness. He could challenge and inspire all he worked with.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and nursing and medical colleagues who were able to celebrate his life at Mortlake Crematorium, Richmond on 13th November.
Graham Johnston
President of the BSCA