In Recognition of a Hard Clinical Scientist

Those who knew Tom Hixon probably remember him as a preeminent scientist, a hard scientist, someone who was rigorous, methodical, and uncompromising. And he was. But he was also so much more. He was a scientist who saw the big picture, who understood what was truly important and what was an insignificant detail. Tom's big picture was focused on his clients. Not many people think of Tom as a clinician, but he was. He was a clinician first, and it was the clinician in him that drove his career as a scientist. Tom did science to help his clients.

Tom was also a hard scientist when it came to mentoring his students. Many of us who have authored articles for this issue of Seminars can attest to his hard mentoring. He demanded more of us than we often thought was reasonable or possible. Tom pushed us, criticized us, challenged us, and pushed us some more. Although we may have felt frustrated and incapable at times, when we accepted Tom's guidance, the outcome was always so much better than we could have imagined. When you passed muster with Tom, you knew you accomplished something important.

This issue of Seminars is for you, Tom. It is our way of honoring your contributions as a clinician, scientist, and mentor.