The FNIH Mourns the Passing of Dr. John Gallin

The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) is deeply saddened by the passing of John I.  Gallin, MD, whose career spanned more than 50 years at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Gallin and his wife, Dr. Elaine Gallin, partnered with the FNIH in 2018 to establish the Trailblazer Prize for Clinician-Scientists, which honors a scientist or physician whose research has the potential to transform patient care. 

Dr. Gallin first joined the NIH in 1971 as a postdoctoral trainee in infectious diseases. He went on to serve as scientific director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for nine years, director of the NIH Clinical Center for 22 years, and associate director for clinical research and chief scientific officer at the NIH Clinical Center for six years. He retired from NIH in 2023 and was named scientist emeritus. Throughout his time at NIH, his focus was on improving the care of patients while conducting clinical research to discover new approaches for diagnosing, preventing, treating, or curing diseases and disabilities.    

That focus on patients led the Gallins to establish the Trailblazer Prize to recognize the critical role of early-career scientists in translating basic science discoveries to bedside care, and ultimately improving human health. Beginning this year, the FNIH will rename the prize “The Paul-Gallin Trailblazer Prize for Physician-Scientists,” in honor of Dr. Gallin and FNIH board chair Steve Paul, MD, who together established an endowment to continue the prize for the next generation. 

The FNIH is grateful and honored to have worked with Dr. Gallin to celebrate exceptional clinician-scientists who improve the lives of those in their care. His steadfast commitment to patients remains an inspiration to us all.  

To honor Dr. Gallin’s legacy and continue the work he was passionate about, donations may be made to support the Paul-Gallin Trailblazer Prize for Physician-Scientists by visiting fnih.org/Gallin.