ToxSci Advance Access originally published online on February 2, 2005
Toxicological Sciences 2005 84(2):211; doi:10.1093/toxsci/kfi098
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PROFILE IN TOXICOLOGY |
Philip G. Watanabe
Dow Chemical Company Toxicology and Environmental Research and Consulting Midland, MI 48674
Received January 31, 2004; accepted January 31, 2004
Toxicology lost a strong voice of science late this last year. Philip G. Watanabe (Phil) passed away suddenly at his home near Blaine, Washington. Like so many notable members of our profession throughout the years, Phil represented many different things to the variety of people he interacted with, mentored, and befriended. He was a voice of reason, unquestioned science integrity and excellence, and generosity packaged in a forceful but very approachable personality. He was not afraid to take on the standard "dogma" of the day and represented a true visionary for the future of toxicology. As a young professional, he was driven to succeed, a tireless researcher and administrator, yet always willing to make time for a "skull" session with members of his research team, typically dealing with his first research love, mechanisms of chemical carcinogenesis.
Phil began his career in toxicology under the guidance of Professor Ragu Sharma at Utah State University in Logan, UT. He made a fateful move to the growing toxicology research laboratory of The Dow Chemical Company to work with such notables as Dr. Perry Gehring, Dr. Bern Schwetz, and Verald K. Rowe, who along with their colleagues were forces of change and reason in the rapidly emerging area of mechanistic toxicology. Phil and his many talented laboratory partners carried their standard forward, generating an impressive publication record of quality and pioneering work. Phil took the helm of the laboratory in 1982 and, for the next 13 years, guided its progress, development, and metamorphosis during those scientifically challenging and exciting times.
Phil was recognized by his peers in many ways for his excellence in toxicology. In 1978 Phil and other Dow investigators were awarded the Society Frank R. Blood Award, and in 1980 he received the prestigious Achievement Award from the SOT in recognition of notable research accomplishments by a younger professional within the toxicology ranks. Phil also had a passionate commitment for giving back to the profession of toxicology, serving on several Society committees as well as a Board Member and President of the American Board of Toxicology. In 1981 Phil became the founding coeditor of new SOT journal Fundamental and Applied Toxicology, the predecessor of Toxicological Sciences, and was instrumental in guiding the growth of FAAT as a site for publication of quality toxicology research and publishing Society-sponsored forums. Later, as a member of the SOT Board of Publications, he was a strong advocate for the transition to the new journal, recognizing and pointing out its strengths and potential to us.
Throughout his career and life, Phil displayed an unswerving commitment to "good science" and had the integrity to persevere when many of us would have faltered. Phil represented the consummate health professional, often stating with absolute conviction: "I'm a toxicologist first and I choose to practice my profession at The Dow Chemical Company second." As health problems forced him into early retirement and took him away from the front lines of our profession, Phil never complained, instead putting concern for the welfare of his colleagues and friends first and foremost. He leaves a legacy of an admirable career, a proud father of very successful children, Sandra, Julie, and Paul, and a loving husband to Angela. We leave you with his motto:
"Think Principles and Values First!"
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