Remembering Michael Shannon, MD, MPH

Michael Shannon, MD, MPHBoston Children's Hospital is deeply saddened by the loss of Michael Shannon, MD, MPH, who died unexpectedly on March 10, 2009.

A pediatrician for more than 25 years, Dr. Shannon was a world-renowned pediatric toxicologist and advocate for ensuring that children's medical care was tailored to their individual needs. He served as chief emeritus of Emergency Services at Boston Children's Hospital, and was the first African-American to be named a full professor and chair of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

An incredibly personable, highly talented clinician and researcher, Dr. Shannon came to Children's in 1983 to complete his training and never left. During his long tenure at Children's, he was chief of the Division of Emergency Medicine, chief of the Clinical Pharmacology Program, director of the Center for Biopreparedness, and associate chief of the Pediatric Environmental Health Center.

A strong advocate for children, Dr. Shannon testified about the safety of cold medicine for children, regularly spoke to news outlets about topics such as the hazards of lead poisoning and unsafe toys, and worked to educate others about the dangers of giving children unsafe therapeutic drugs and dietary supplements. He constantly advanced new models of pediatric care that emphasize the impact of environmental factors on the health of children, especially in schools.

Besides his accomplishments as a physician, Dr. Shannon was a former professional dancer who still performed annually in the "Urban Nutcracker" and "Black Nativity". He was also an advocate who worked tirelessly to help improve the communities in and around Boston. In his 55 years, Dr. Shannon touched everyone he met -- and many who never had a chance to meet him in person.

His passing is a loss to the community, both inside and outside Children's walls.

Please read or share your comments and recollections on our online memorial board for Dr. Shannon.