The April 2017 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Journal of the COPD Foundation has been dedicated to the memory of the late John W. Walsh. James Crapo, MD, editor-in-chief of the journal, writes about the impact that Mr. Walsh has had on the COPD community in general and on Dr. Crapo’s life in particular in an editorial entitled Remembering John W. Walsh 1949-2017. “John was far more than a patient advocate. In fact, he recreated the concept of a patient advocate and transformed it into a dynamic force binding patient interests, health care delivery and research to change the future of this disease. Meeting John was a transformative experience in my life. His commitment, energy and impact were unparalleled. ”
It is impossible to overstate the impact John Walsh had on every aspect of COPD, from patient education and advocacy to improving the scientific understanding of the disease. The open access journal is one of Mr. Walsh’s many legacies, and one which Dr. Crapo and his colleagues plan to continue improving upon. To read the current issue of the journal, click here: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Journal of the COPD Foundation.