Richard Doll

Richard Doll

Sir Richard Doll (28 October 1912 – 24 July 2005) was a pioneering English epidemiologist and physician whose research substantially advanced the understanding of the health risks associated with smoking tobacco. His work is among the most significant in the 20th century for public health, particularly for his findings that directly linked smoking with lung cancer and other diseases.

Early Life and Education

Richard Doll was born in Hampton, London, England. He studied medicine at St Thomas's Hospital Medical School, now part of King's College London, qualifying in 1937. Initially, Doll pursued a career in internal medicine.

Career and Research

During World War II, Doll served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, after which he joined the Medical Research Council (MRC). It was here, in 1950, that Doll, alongside Austin Bradford Hill, conducted a study comparing lung cancer patients in 20 London hospitals to a control group. Their work, published in the British Medical Journal, was groundbreaking, demonstrating a strong association between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. Doll continued his research into the effects of smoking, including a study that began in 1951 involving British doctors, which further confirmed the link between smoking and health risks, such as lung cancer and heart disease. This longitudinal study, known as the British Doctors' Study, lasted until his death and provided compelling evidence that smoking significantly reduces life expectancy.

Impact and Legacy

Doll's research had a profound impact on public health policies worldwide, leading to smoking cessation campaigns and legislation aimed at reducing smoking rates. His work is credited with saving millions of lives by highlighting the dangers of smoking and advocating for public health measures to combat the tobacco epidemic. In recognition of his contributions, Doll received numerous awards and honors, including being knighted in 1971. He was also a member of the Royal Society and the Royal College of Physicians.

Death

Sir Richard Doll passed away on 24 July 2005, at the age of 92. His legacy continues through ongoing public health efforts to reduce smoking and its associated health risks.

Selected Publications

• Doll, R., & Hill, A.B. (1950). Smoking and carcinoma of the lung. British Medical Journal.
• Doll, R. (1954). The mortality of doctors in relation to their smoking habits. British Medical Journal.