Thomas Nicol Johnston

The grave of Thomas Nicol Johnston, Corstorphine churchyard, Edinburgh

Thomas Nicol Johnston (born 1901, died 1962) was a notable Scottish physician and medical researcher. He is best known for his contributions to the field of tropical medicine and his pioneering work in the study of parasitic diseases.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Nicol Johnston was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1901. He attended the University of Edinburgh, where he earned his medical degree in 1924. During his time at university, Johnston developed a keen interest in tropical diseases, which would later define his career.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Johnston joined the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where he worked under the mentorship of several prominent figures in the field. His early research focused on the epidemiology and treatment of malaria, a major health issue in many tropical regions.

In the 1930s, Johnston moved to Africa to conduct field research. He spent several years in Nigeria and Kenya, where he studied the transmission and control of malaria and other parasitic diseases. His work in these regions contributed significantly to the understanding of disease vectors and the development of effective control measures.

Contributions to Medicine

Johnston's research led to several important discoveries in tropical medicine. He was among the first to identify the role of certain mosquito species in the transmission of malaria. His work also contributed to the development of new antimalarial drugs and improved diagnostic techniques.

In addition to his research on malaria, Johnston studied other parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis. His findings helped to improve the treatment and prevention of these diseases, which continue to affect millions of people worldwide.

Later Life and Legacy

Thomas Nicol Johnston returned to the United Kingdom in the 1950s, where he continued his research and teaching at the LSHTM. He published numerous papers and was a respected figure in the field of tropical medicine until his death in 1962.

Johnston's contributions to medical science have had a lasting impact on the field of tropical medicine. His work has saved countless lives and continues to influence research and treatment strategies today.

Related Pages

• Tropical medicine
• Parasitic diseases
• Malaria
• Schistosomiasis
• Leishmaniasis
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• University of Edinburgh