History

History of IATDMCT

Steven H. Wong

In attempting to write about the history of IATDMCT, I re-read the three previously published Memories (1-3). It is almost tempting to refer the readers to the first two articles about the founding and the third article about the initial sequence of events after the founding. In so doing, I would not be able to share with you some of key events and missing the opportunity to tell a story which is still on going. So it goes ----

The decade was the 70 and 80’s. Two prominent figures Irving Sunshine (Irv) and C. E. Pippenger (Pip) would cross path many times. Through their foresight and unselfish professional and scientific interest, the foundation for IATDM-CT was laid before many of us realized!!! In a previous article in paying tribute to Irv for his birthday, I shared my personal perspective of some of the interaction – directly and indirectly, between Irv and Pip. So it was in the 80’s, one day, Irv visited Pip in Columbia University in NYC. And, he then chose (might have invited himself!) to stay at Pip’s apartment, to make “sure that Pip is doing O.K.” I learned about that encounter decades later on, sensing there was good chemistry between the two. And the good chemistry gave rise to the support for the founding the TDM-T division of AACC in 1985, I think. Serving as the Founding Chair, I attempted to ensure equal representation of TDM and Toxicology in every aspect of the Divisional activities and interest. In doing so, both Irv and Pip repeatedly insisted on the need to get “ the young people involved “. Often times, they had chosen to step aside to make sure there was room for the “young”. Thus, one of the hallmarks of IATDMCT is empowering the next generation of scientists. It is not unique for a scientific society, but the constant attempt for renewal might be best shown by the past and current leadership, meeting chairs/co-chairs and awardees. So it was in that co-operative spirit that TDM and toxicology co-existed among us. As the need to share various advances on a global basis, the need for an international organization was emerging in the late 80’s.

As pointed by Phil Walson, a series of events in Japan, US and several key European countries led to the interest in forming IATDMCT. During a meeting in 1989 in Atlanta, key individuals who were very actively involved in the 1988 Osaka and Chicago Conferences agreed that an international organization should be considered during the upcoming 1990 Congress in Barcelona. That way, the worldwide attendees would have a chance to participate, strengthening the formative stages. Thus, in the several months leading up to the Barcelona Congress, there were frequent exchanges of phone calls and letters to ensure that the consensus was still there, remembering that email did not exist in 1990!! It was decided that an organizational meeting of interested individuals be held during the mid-week of the Congress.

September 1990 in Barcelona was a perfect setting for the momentous occasion for the founding of IATDMCT. The Congress, held jointly with the Spanish Clinical Chemistry Congress, was well attended by speakers and several thousand participants around the globe. During the mid-week, about 20 to 30 individuals met and discussed the rationale for founding an international organization. In attendance were: Roger Boeckx (US), Takashi Mimaki(Japan), KazuhikoTanaka(Japan), Ian Watson(UK), Graham Mould(UK), Phil Walson(US), Les Shaw(US), Tai Kwong(US), Steve Wong(US), Paul Orsulak (US), Helina Matsumoto (Poland), Ester Zylber-Katz(Israel), Ray Morris (Australia), Petrie Rainey (US), Michael Steward (UK) and others ( Apology for missing names of other key individuals there!!) . Then, the group voted for the formation of IATDMCT and elected officers were: Steve Wong – President., Ian Watson – President-Elect, Roger Boeck – Treasurer, and Graham Mould was appointed as Newsletter editor.  

During the formative months, the initial focus was to begin to prepare for the next Congress in Philadelphia in the spring of 1993, and to begin the process of establishing key committees for networking and for addressing timely topics such as immunosuppressants. The following table listed the Presidents and Chairs of these Congresses:

Each of these congresses, for me, remained distinguishing fresh with fine recollection. I am sure you have your own special memories.

In addition to these highly successful and well attended congresses, there was a series of outstanding immunosuppressant conferences organized by Les Shaw, Randy Yatscoff, Steve Soldin and others. Some of these conferences resulted in proceedings which were subsequently published in TDM. These valuable proceedings still remained one of the most tangible achievements of IATDMCT. Other notable activities included visiting scientific programs and the newsletter, now named Compass, with editors – Graham Mould, Ian Watson, Kim Napoli and now Maria Shipkova.

As pointed by Les Shaw in his recollection of the events in Philadelphia, the personal encounters and memories were plentiful and joyful. We also missed some of the key individuals such as Roger Boeckx and Irv Sunshine. Just as importantly, we have witnessed during the succeeding congresses, energetic and dedicated “young“ scientists entering into our association. With the recognition of the convergence of TDM and pharmacogenomics, I am extremely hopeful that this branch of molecular biology will help to infuse vitality into our Association. Another major achievement, as a result of dedicated effort by Steve Soldin, is the close working relationship with the Journal “Therapeutic Drug Monitoring“, initially founded by Pip, followed by co-editor, Folke Sjoqvist, and then succeeded by Steve Soldin., and with the current co-editors - Michael Oellerich and Gideon Koren. And, the Journal is now 30 years young!!! And IATDMCT is now 20 years young!!

In looking back, as a 20 years young international organization, IATDMCT has fulfilled its charter. Just as importantly, it is up to the imagination and dedicated effort of long time members and new members to continue to advance the arts and science of TDM and toxicology on a global basis. So, the story continues ----

References

1. P Walson. Memories of IATDMCT – The Early Days, Sept., 2005.
2. SHY Wong. Memories of IATDMCT – The Heady Days of the Early 1990s. Dec., 2005.
3. L Shaw. Memories of IATDMCT – The Third Congress – Philadelphia and the Challenges Ahead. Sept 2006.

IATDMCT.  Incorporated December 30, 1994 in the State of Ohio USA