Remembering Michael Shannon, MD, MPH

If the definition of a life well lived is that everyone who has ever known you feels as if there is now a hole in the world, then Dr. Shannon has left an abyss in many hearts and minds, including my own.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Shannon on several occassions. As an expert in his field, he was able to make something so fairly complicated to most seem simplistic and easy to understand. I was in awe of his ability to eloquently answer questions in such a basic way so that parents would be able to understand and use the information given.

There was something so gracious, graceful and generous about Dr. Shannon and I hope that his legacy continues to live on in his patients, staff, colleagues, family and friends. My prayers go out to the Shannon family and his friends -- he is without question greatly missed.

Chandra Edwards
Web Team - Marketing
Boston Children's Hospital

I worked with Michael since he was a trainee here and I was a young staff member. He was then, and always, a wonderful example of a real mensch. He will be terribly missed.

Mark A. Rockoff MD,
Vice-Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology
Perioperative and Pain Medicine
Boston Children's Hospital

Michael Shannon's life and work exemplify the highest ideals of his profession. His humanity, humility and his contributions to his community, this hospital and the entire field of pediatrics make the impact of his loss virtually unbearable. The entire physician community at Children's is bereft of a beloved colleague, an invaluable collaborator and a superb human being and physician. He is, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all who had the good fortune of being touched by him.

Paul R. Hickey, MD
President, Physicians' Organization at Children's Hospital

To Dr. Shannon's family and friends:

I was devastated to learn of Dr. Shannon's death. As a resident at Children's Hospital, I was one of many who was blessed with the opportunity to learn from a master. I still remember the patients we saw together and his lecture on hyperkalemia in children.

Only in the last two years did I have a chance to interact with him as a colleague. I called him to discuss over-the-counter cough and cold medications for young children. I wanted to assess his interest in advising and joining a petition to the FDA asking to stop the marketing of these products for children under six years of age.

He reviewed our draft, signed up to help, and had an enormous impact on the effort. He helped us craft the petition and then agreed to testify in front of the FDA's scientific advisory panel that would make recommendations to the agency.

Then -- a problem came up. It turned out that Dr. Shannon was due to get an honorary degree somewhere in New England the night before the FDA committee's meeting, which started at about 8:30 am in suburban Maryland. My staff told me I should just find someone else. I said to them, "If Dr. Shannon testifies, we will win. If he does not testify, it is anyone's guess what will happen."

We scoured the airplane schedules. One of our fellows figured out he could fly out of New Hampshire on the first flight of the day into Baltimore, jump into a taxi, and make it to the meeting with about 10 minutes to spare. I assigned a fellow to track his minute-to-minute progress. He arrived just as we were getting started. And perfectly calm as ever, he gave the sharpest and clearest presentation of the day.

He had to fly back to Boston before the decision was announced. After we prevailed, I left the meeting room, found a quiet place, and gave him a call. My goal was to thank him, but what I remember most from the call was how he thanked me. He said that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of his career to have participated in such a successful advocacy effort.

I was stunned -- realizing that Michael Shannon saying such a thing to me was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

We kept in touch, and I was looking forward to hearing more about his work in pediatric pharmacology and to discussing a number of FDA issues. Words are no consolation for the inexplicable tragedy of this week. Having experienced Dr. Shannon as a teacher and a colleague, I will try to honor his legacy every day I am at work for children and public health.

Josh Sharfstein, MD

Thank you for the opportunity to share something about Dr. Shannon. It was an honor to attend his funeral today, and hear the stories of his life as told by others. Here is one way that he touched my life: This would have been the 5th year for me to co-organize Research Day with Dr. Shannon as a judge. In 2006, I asked if he would attend the Annual Fellows' Appreciation Dinner, which is held in conjunction with Research Day. I wrote "This year we would like to start a new tradition: that of appreciating and honoring the judges. This would serve a dual purpose: We would like to have a faculty member sit at each table of 10 fellows, enriching the experience for both. Would you let us know if you are available on the evening of Wed., May 31 from 5:45 until 9:00pm to attend the Fellows' Appreciation Dinner? Also, would you encourage your fellows to attend this dinner, appreciating the fine work they do at Children's Hospital?"

As I would find on other occasions, without hesitation, he responded to my invitation. His reply was, characteristically, with grace and personable. He said "Thank you for your email. May 31, though, is my 20th wedding anniversary. My evening belongs to my wife. Sorry, Michael Shannon."

This means that May 31, 2011 - in just two years - would have been his and Elaine's 25th wedding anniversary. Perhaps we can remember the Shannon family - Elaine, Evan, and Lila - on that date.

Another interaction with Dr. Shannon that stands out in my memory is on December 11, 2008, I wrote to him after he presented to the Diversity and Cultural Competency Council (DCCC) as Chair of the Respectful Interactions Working Group. He had presented the concept of an Ombuds group and I responded with some thoughts. He replied very quickly, saying, "Thanks for these excellent questions, Fern. I'm going to hold on to this email because you've so nicely addressed some of the critical issues. Best, Michael."

He was always respectful and thoughtful, and very present. We can hold our memories dear, as we say good-bye to his presence on earth. He touched so many, and he will be deeply missed, far and wide.

Fern Remedi-Brown, M.Ed.
Coordinator, Office of Fellowship Training
Boston Children's Hospital

I can't believe you are gone, my dear friend. More than a friend, you were my HERO and so you will always remain. You stood by me during my darkest hour, when no one would would have blamed you for turning away. But turning away was never in your heart, Michael. You put everything on the line for me, then consoled and comforted me until I was ready to stand again and walk on. "No greater love has any man than this, than he would lay down his life for his friends." I will never forget you, Michael. I will spend my career, my life, trying to live up to that shining example that you set passing on to others what you so freely gave to me. "Goodnight, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

John Knight, MD
Boston Children's Hospital

I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with Dr. Michael Shannon. As a visiting medical student, he took me in under his wing and introduced me to the field of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. In such a small amount of time he made an enormous impact on my life and my career. He is an inspiration to all and his memory will forever live on all those he touched. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones and hope they find comfort in knowing he memory will forever live on in all the hearts he has left behind.

Frances Turcotte Benedict, MD

Sometimes you can make sense out of a death. Not the essence of it, but you can explain around it or talk it away. There is no easy way to understand this death of Michael Shannon. Fortunately, his life was so full of purpose and he shared it around so generously; we are all grateful.

Sarah de Ferranti, MD MPH
Director, Preventive Cardiology Clinic
Department of Cardiology
Boston Children's Hospital

My heart is with the family of Michael. I knew him as a dancer in Boston. He was known as the dancing doctor...the amazing guy who was dancing professionally while he trained to be a doctor. And his life as a doctor seems to have been even more amazing. I hope we can all take his special energy as a dancer, doctor, and human into our hearts. He will be missed...and remembered.

Stephen Nunley

Dr. Shannon, thank you for showing us the way. Wisdom and humanity are possible. You'll be very much alive in my mind.

Luis Pereira

Michael Shannon you were an amazing man, compassionate and thoughtful. Every time I saw you in the halls you never seemed to amaze me by always remembering me and always had a smile on your face. You will definitely be missed.

Sandy Wooldridge RN

What a HUGE loss for the world of pediatrics. Michael was always a calm and patient supervisor, even when he knew that I was in his ER. His knowledge was encyclopedic. I will never forget one morning when he gave us an off-the-cuff talk about poisonous mushrooms--their names, their toxins...it was unreal. How many people can do that? Michael worked with me to produce my only contribution to the medical literature during my residency.

Michael, I hope you're still dancing; I?m still playing the sax. You'll be missed.

Mike Matos
Children's resident and fellow, 1997-2003

On behalf of the faculty, staff, students, and administration of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), our thoughts are with the Shannon family and his colleagues at Children's hospital and around the world. Michael taught many pharmacy students over the years in both classroom and clinical settings. His interest in clinical pharmacology and safe medication usage in children provided opportunities for collaboration between the MCPHS faculty and Dr. Shannon on many projects. His strong advocacy for clinical pharmacology, leadership, and friendship to MCPHS will be greatly missed.

Michelle Kalis
Provost, MCPHS

I remember when Michael first came to Children's. He arrived carrying a reputation as a beloved former Chief Resident in Peds at Boston City Hospital. He had a wonderful combination of brilliance, patience and humility. I relished the many times he was interviewed on local TV as the expert pediatric toxicologist for the community. What confidence he inspired and how privileged we were to call him one of our own.

In typical fashion, Michael never told me about his dance career--even when we sat at the same table at a dinner-dance. I learned about it later when I read about his performing in "Urban Nutcracker."

May the memory of this good and gentle man be for a blessing. It just won't be the same around Children's without him.

Norman Spack MD
Boston Children's Hospital

Since hearing about the sudden and inexplicable loss of our colleague Dr. Shannon, I have been thinking so much about him -- and his family. What a rare and special person he was! He managed to be both dignified and grounded, impressive and accessible, all at the same time. And what a huge loss -- in research he would have done, advocacy he would have championed, care he would have provided... and most of all, a huge void for all who cared about him. The best way to honor his memory is to all try to live, work, and enjoy our loved ones -- following his exceptional example.

Kate Weldon LeBlanc
Government Relations
Boston Children's Hospital

For as long as I can remember I've known Dr. Shannon. My mother worked with him at Children's since he first got there. I was 5 when I met him and always made sure that I saw him whenever I went to the hospital to visit. I can remember going into his office and talking to him when I was a high school student and talking about what I wanted to do in college. He always gave me good advice. His smile was infectious and I knew he truly had a big heart. When my mother moved to Florida, he tried and tried to find a way to recruit her back to work with him. He was only one of the many that tried. My sorrow goes very deep for the family and the Children's family. I grieve our loss, but I celebrate his life as he touched so many. May God comfort and bless the Shannon family.

Melissa Christmas, SSG
Army Reserve Career Counselor

Dr. Shannon: I knew you as a gentleman and a scholar and will think of you every time I am at Legal's. There is a huge hole at Children's where you used to be; the one in your family must be indescribable. I did not have the honor to know your wife and children but will keep them in my prayers. Rest in Peace.

Molly Jean-Mary

It is hard to believe that Michael is no longer with us. I have known him for 18 years now as a leader in the field of children's environmental health. He placed great value on the life of each individual child. In a sense, he was like a father to all children in his commitment not only to protect them, but also to develop and disseminate knowledge about children and their vulnerabilities, throughout the community of pediatricians, politicians, and advocates who take action in the name of children. As a colleague, he was always constructive, witty, and helpful. His example has always been an inspiration to me, as a colleague and a friend, and he will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life.

Lynn R. Goldman, MD, MPH
Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Dr. Shannon was truly a giant among us. It will be 10 years ago this May 9th that Dr. Shannon saved my 7 year old daughter's life.

After three years of countless doctor visits, tests, and hospitalizations for headaches, chest pains, seizures, rapid decline in motor skills, and cognitive skills while suffering excruciating pain etc. we finally (through an article on "Sick Schools" in Boston Magazine) found Dr. Shannon at Children's Hospital. I called the hospital and explained what had been going on and they asked me to hold -- immediately Dr. Shannon was on the line -- he asked a few questions and then said to bring her in the next morning along with any reports on her school and health with me. I was not sure what to think. "Could the moldy ceiling tiles, air and chemicals used in her school really make her that sick? Could she really have been suffering for three years because of exposures in her school? Could neighboring industries have played a role in this?" I needed a real expert and in he walked. Dr. Shannon--silently he sat at the desk reading current news paper articles on air quality problems in her school, medical records and formal air quality reports dating back to as far as 1991. Then after an exam and some questions about her serious health conditions he turned to us and said,"Your daughter is in a very sick school-while immediately I can attribute some of her symptoms directly to these the reports, we need to find out what chemicals are used in the building, what neighboring industries are near the school. He removed her from her school and said what ever symptoms do not come back can then be connected." Well, I am very happy to say that Kellianne, who is now nearly 17 years old has been seizure free since. She rapidly regained all of her motor skills, the chest pains and headaches and sinus infections all disappeared. She traded in all that pain and countless dr. visits and tests for a bike, a book and a swing, finally returned to her childhood through the great Michael Shannon.

In recent years we had the distinct pleasure of seeing Dr. Shannon perform in "Urban Nutcracker". We all went backstage after to tell him how impressed we were with his performance. He looked over at Kellianne and said, You might not remember me but I remember you." And she said, "I remember you" and he was beaming. He always lit up when he saw her. I know it was because he was so proud that he saved her. That would be the last time we saw Dr Shannon-- although we exchanged emails since, at his insistence. He loved hearing how she was doing and what childrens environmental causes I was currently active with. In the last email he sent he sounded so happy with Kellianne's progress, he stated, "It is nice to hear that Kellianne is moving forward in her life as any young lady should."

In Dr. Shannon's memory I plan to continue my fight to clean up the schools in Massachusetts. The Westborough program that Dr. Shannon encouraged me to fight for now protects thousands of children each year here in Westborough. I plan on taking our plan further and trying to get the state to mandate similar Indoor Air Quality Teams across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

God bless all of you and keep up the great work. Dr. Shannon will be forever remembered in our hearts and with each milestone our daughter reaches.

Kathy King-Westborough

I was indeed shocked and very sad to hear of Dr. Shannon's such sudden death. I remember him as a very warm, kind, and helping person. He also had a great sense of humor, very vibrant and full of life. I was looking forward to his talk on 3/25/09 Disaster Preparedness for Pediatric Patients a Lawrence General Hospital.

Manorama Mathur, MD

Dr. Shannon was a special person who will be deeply missed.

This picture says it all...

William Lorenzen
Boston Children's Hospital

Janet Weaver Holleran, RN
Staff Nurse Level II
Allergy Immunology Clinic
Boston Children's Hospital

Sometimes we as individuals do not know the impact we have on other people's lives--Dr. Shannon's life reflects just this.

Through the Harvard Project Success Program, I had the wonderful opportunity to do research with Dr. Shannon in the summer of 2000 around iron deficiency and lead poisoning in children. This truly was one of the best experiences I have had in my life and when I reflect it was the relationship I built with Dr. Shannon which I will always hold on to. Not only was he brilliant but it was his compassion towards me that stands out above all. He was kind and always greeted me with a smile each and every day. As an inquisitive young man he always took time to answer my questions and explain processes and situations. Our relationship grew past the summer as he naturally turned into a mentor.

When I worked for the Commission, he graciously accepted to deliver the keynote address to my students who participated in the BAHEC Summer Enrichment program. Looking back, it is the little things he did which I continue to remember.

As young African American man growing up in the city of Boston, Dr. Shannon was a great role model and truly embodied unique qualities which I strive to achieve. It is not his accomplishments that will remain but the lives of people he touched through his genuine altruistic spirit--I am one of those persons and am deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to know such a great man.

Dr. Shannon, may your soul rest in perfect peace and may the Lord continue to strengthen and bless your family.

Chikaelo Ibeabuchi
BNY Mellon CityACCESS, Program Manager
The Bank of New York Mellon

How sad and shocked we were to learn of Dr. Shannon's death. He was a warm and reassuring presence during a very scary visit to the Children's ER in the wee hours of the morning with my 10 year old son last June. Learning more about the many aspects of his life has been both heartwarming and heartbreaking. My whole family extends our deeply felt sympathy to Dr. Shannon's family.

Jane C. Kelso BSN, RN
Pediatric Research Nurse

Although I worked under Dr. Shannon for a brief time as the Administrator of CHB ED; he touched me in many ways; as a mentor, as a listener and always as a teacher. His compassion for the patients and his kindness to all staff was remarkable. He truly was the epitome of a gentleman and will be missed by all. Heavens gain is our loss.

Karen J. Dias
Practice Administrator
Centre Pediatric Associates, PC

We met Dr. Shannon in the elevator at Children's Hospital. He had this big smile on his face and he made my daughter smile. She was a big ball of nerves going to her appointment. Once he told her what he did and how he loves helping people, he told her he was a child once, and that he was scared often in life. He promised her she would be OK, with this big grin behind it, and she put on a big smile and shook his hand. She was fine after that.

I am sorry for the loss and my prayers are with his family.

Carolyn and Brianna S. Cruse

What I will remember most is Michael's unassuming spirit. How an individual could be so incredibly accomplished and gifted yet remain as humble as he was the first day I met in the late 80's is astonishing. I had the privilege of co-chairing and serving on the Respectful Interactions subcommittee of the Diversity and Cultural Competency Council (DCCC), with Michael, for the last two years. I have always been struck by how well he listened and his sense of justice. His thoughtfulness when responding, formulating a plan or constructing a solution was unsurpassed. I'm confident that his contributions to the DCCC have and will continue to have an impact on our community.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Sharon Lopes Redd, MD

If heaven exists, we know you are there dancing with all the children and people that love you.

Jackie Wood

Although it has been several weeks now since Michael's passing, it still does not seem real. Michael was a true mentor and friend. I will always remember the great patience and guidance he showed to everyone, no matter what was going on. I miss him terribly and my thoughts are with his family every day.

Shannon Manzi, PharmD
ED Clinical Pharmacist
Team Leader, Emergency Services and Combined Programs

Dr. Michael Shannon,

My dear friend, colleague and mentor over the past 30 years, I belatedly learned of your passing only last week, and am grieving. Like so many who have written here before me, I was so very touched and inspired by your love for children. Most of all, when you were an intern and I a medical student at Duke, you showed me that pediatrics can be a means of both loving children and their families and having fun, because we can also PLAY with the babies as we care for them medically. One of the last times we shared a meal, it was uncanny when you spoke to me the exact words i had said to a another friend of mine only days before, "Looking into the eyes of babies is like looking into the eyes of God". And so it is.

A pediatrician with the same passion I have not known. I am blessed that our paths crossed, and can only hope i portray a bit of the same for my students as you portrayed for me. I send prayers to your wife Elaine and to your children - I do hope they know how proud you are of them. Thank you. I'll miss you.

Caroline J. Chantry MD
University of California Davis Medical Center

Chad Bevan, MD, MPH
USAF Flight Surgeon
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Michael was a wonderful human being and a pleasure to work with. The world is less without him, but he left behind a wonderful legacy for which we should all be grateful.

Seth Katz

Dr. Shannon was a very warm hearted and generous person. I remember when I was only in the fifth grade, and had become sick from my school due to toxic elements. It was a very nerve wracking time, and being only 11 years old, it was very scary not knowing what could happen to me. Dr. Shannon was a very gifted and friendly doctor. The process I went through to get better went as smoothly as it did because of his generous care. It is a huge loss for the community that Dr. Shannon is no longer with us. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies go to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Lauren Cristoferi

Since first getting to know Dr. Shannon as a mere child at department parties in Larz Anderson Park and the occasional trip to the Emergency Department for stitches, his warm soft voice, kind demeanor, and broad smile were immediately, fondly, and deeply imprinted in my memories. Thus, it was a new pleasure and honor to have the opportunity to work alongside him in the ED as a medical student. In our brief time working together in medicine, I was reminded and again touched by his gentle presence and his patience. Though at first I thought he treated me with such warmth and encouragement because he remembered me as 'just a little kid', I know realize that making those around him feel calm and welcome was his natural gift that all enjoyed. Most moving was his tacit--but powerful--inspiration of and joy in the success of others. Dr. Shannon was a member of my family--the Children's family--and I feel blessed to have worked with and learned from such a shining light.

Carl Fleisher, MD
Resident Physician
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital