In Memoriam: Dr. Donald Killinger
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, along with the London health care community, is mourning the loss of Dr. Donald W. Killinger, endocrinologist, Professor Emeritus at Western University and former Chief of Medicine.
Dr. Killinger will be remembered for his commitment to mentorship and teaching, his research and his clinical practice treating pituitary and adrenal disorders.
After graduating from medical school at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in 1957, Dr. Killinger went on to earn a master’s degree in Biochemistry in 1959. He pursued a PhD in Steroid Biochemistry at McGill University, graduating in 1967. That same year, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
He began his teaching career at the University of Toronto, where he also conducted research on the metabolic state of steroid hormones in breast cancer cells and fat tissue. During this time, Dr. Killinger was also the medical advisor to The Canadian Addison Society, an organization that raises awareness of a rare adrenal disorder known as Addison’s Disease.
Dr. Killinger eventually returned to Western University as a professor of Medicine, and served as Chief of Medicine at St. Joseph’s Health Care London from 1998 to 2003. After retirement, he continued to care for patients in his clinical practice.
Dr. Killinger died on August 14 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Leahy.
A memorial notice can be found here.
