Donald Low

Donald Low

Name	Donald Low
Birth name
Birth date	October 2, 1945
Birth place	Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Death date	September 18, 2013
Death place	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Alma mater
Occupation	Microbiologist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Leadership during the SARS outbreak in Toronto
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Donald Low (October 2, 1945 – September 18, 2013) was a prominent Canadian microbiologist and infectious disease specialist, best known for his role in managing the SARS outbreak in Toronto in 2003. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in controlling the spread of the virus and providing clear communication to the public and healthcare professionals.

Early Life and Education

Donald Low was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba, where he developed an interest in microbiology and infectious diseases. Low went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Toronto, where he also obtained a Ph.D. in microbiology.

Career

Low began his career as a clinician and researcher at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, where he eventually became the Chief of Microbiology. He was also a professor at the University of Toronto, where he taught medical students and conducted research on infectious diseases.

SARS Outbreak

In 2003, Toronto was one of the cities affected by the global outbreak of SARS. Donald Low played a crucial role in the city's response to the crisis. As the Chief Microbiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, he was at the forefront of efforts to identify and contain the virus. Low's calm demeanor and clear communication were vital in reassuring the public and guiding healthcare workers during the outbreak.

Low's leadership during the SARS crisis was widely recognized, and he became a trusted voice in public health. His work helped to establish protocols and guidelines that improved the management of infectious disease outbreaks in Canada and around the world.

Contributions to Microbiology

Beyond his role in the SARS outbreak, Donald Low made significant contributions to the field of microbiology. He published numerous research papers on infectious diseases, particularly focusing on antibiotic resistance and the epidemiology of bacterial infections. Low was also involved in the development of diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, which improved the ability of healthcare providers to quickly and accurately diagnose patients.

Personal Life

Donald Low was married and had three children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his passion for teaching and mentoring young medical professionals.

Death

Donald Low passed away on September 18, 2013, in Toronto, Ontario, after a battle with a brain tumor. His death was widely mourned in the medical community, and he was remembered for his contributions to public health and his leadership during the SARS outbreak.

Legacy

Donald Low's legacy lives on through his contributions to microbiology and public health. His work during the SARS outbreak set a standard for crisis management and communication in public health emergencies. The Donald Low Fellowship was established in his honor to support the training of future leaders in microbiology and infectious diseases.

Also see

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
• Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto)
• University of Toronto
• Infectious disease
• Microbiology