It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Dr. David Wilkinson on Sunday January 12, 2025. Dr. Wilkinson was the former Chair of our department and Professor Emeritus of Pathology. He was a visionary leader, an accomplished pathologist, and a mentor who left an indelible mark on our department and the field of pathology.
Dr. Wilkinson was a proud Richmond native. He was a graduate of John Marshall High School and an even prouder graduate of Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a BS in chemistry. Following VMI he received his PhD in Experimental Oncology and Pathology at the University of Wisconsin and then his medical degree at the University of Miami. He did his pathology internship and residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. He also served his country as a major in the U.S. Army from 1978 to 1982. In 1984 he joined the faculty of George Washington University in the Department of Pathology. While there, he was the Director of the Division Clinical Pathology from 1984 to 1992 and served as the Medical Director of the Medical Technology Program from 1986 through 1993. Recognizing his leadership skills, he was appointed the Interim Medical Director of The University Hospital in 1992 until he left in 1993 when he was very excited to return home to Richmond and take on the role of the Chair of the Pathology Department.
During his tenure as Chair, Dr. Wilkinson made significant contributions to advancing education, research, and clinical excellence within our department. His dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration inspired generations of pathologists, and his legacy continues to shape our work today. He was a pioneer in molecular diagnostic testing, developing and establishing one of the first clinical molecular diagnostic laboratories in the country at VCU Health, which grew to become a nationally recognized center of excellence in molecular diagnostics.
Dr. Wilkinson’s profound impact extended beyond our department, influencing the broader medical community, and elevating the standards of patient care and academic achievement. He was an expert in pathology coding, management, leadership, and molecular diagnostics.
The most important part of Dr. Wilkinson’s legacy is personal. He was a mentor to everyone who sought him out, deeply caring about those around him. As a true servant leader, he put the needs of everyone in his orbit above his own. He has impacted countless people, both professionally and personally, and his legacy will live on through them. He was committed to supporting all his faculty, staff, students, and residents. Dr. Wilkinson was also a dedicated husband to his wife of 57 ½ years, Judy, and adored his 3 daughters, grandchildren, and his first great grandchild.
On Saturday, January 18th there will be a memorial Service at the Kontos Auditorium from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will share additional details about arrangements and ways to honor Dr. Wilkinson’s memory as they become available. Please keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
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Guang-Yu Yang, MD, PhD Professor Chair, Department of Pathology |
Susan Roseff, MD Professor and Vice-Chair, Department of Pathology |