The MGFA would like to acknowledge the passing of Dr. Ted Burns who served as a beacon of light in the MG space. His passing is a tremendous loss for the MG Community as a whole, and his presence will be missed greatly.

 

Dr. Burns was well known for the care and advocacy that he provided for his patients. He was a leading voice for patient-centered assessment and treatment of myasthenia gravis. Dr. Burns developed the MG Composite and MG Quality of Life Scales, both of which are recognized worldwide as standard endpoints for MG clinical trials.

 

He was a strong advocate of including the measurement of “quality of life” as part of routine clinical care, and even developed a method to enable patients to track quality of life at home to be able to share critical information with their care providers. He was known for his compassion and ability to empower the patient, as well as a great convener through collaboration and serving as a thought-leader.

 

We have received so many amazing notes and testimonials about Dr. Burns’ service to the MG Community, and here are a few of them from some of his close colleagues.

 

“Dr. Burns uniquely and fully reflected the humanitarian mission of medicine in his teachings and encounters with patients and colleagues in his daily behavior. He defended the interests of the patients by advocating for lowering the drug pricing and defended the interest of science by advocating for unified and simple outcome measures. His legacy will continue in his many contributions and in the life of those who were touched by his kindness and care.”

- Dr. Aziz Shaibani

 

 

“Ted was the most courageous and kindest person I’ve known. He transformed the lives of MG patients through care and research and those of his colleagues by helping each of us become a better person. I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend, and already miss him, but I am resolutely inspired to carry on his work. Ted will always be with me.”

-Dr. A. Gordon Smith

 

Rest in peace, Dr. Burns.