Dr. Alastair Carruthers, the doctor largely responsible for making Botox a household name, has died. He was 79 years old.
According to a statement from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), of which he was president from 2006 to 2007, Alastair passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024 “after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.” He is survived by his wife Dr. Jean Carruthers, three children and four grandchildren.
“It is with deep sadness that the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) announces the passing of Alastair Carruthers, FRCPC, a pioneering physician and respected member of the medical community whose contributions left an indelible mark on the field of dermatology,” ASDS said in a statement. “He was an innovator with a collaborative spirit matched only by his love of family and kindness to his mentors.”
Alastair was born on 4 June 1945 in Bebington, Cheshire, United Kingdom After graduating from Brasenose College, University of Oxford in 1968, he trained in internal medicine in Vancouver and Liverpool before specializing in dermatology at St. Thomas’s and St. London Skin Hospital. In 1977, he joined the Faculty of Dermatology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
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He later became the first Canadian president of ASDS. During his tenure, he founded the first annual ASDS gala, the ASDS Stegman Circle fundraising initiative, and the Society’s advocacy arm, ASDSA.
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During his career, Alastair published over 100 articles and authored several textbooks. He has also won numerous awards and honors, including the 2010 ASDS Samuel J. Stegman, MD, Distinguished Service Award, the 2012 Philip Frost and Eugene van Scott Leadership Award, the 2014 ASDS Leadership in Innovation Lectureship, and the 2015 ASDS President’s Award. year.
With his wife, Alastair led the discovery of the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin A. Jean, an ophthalmologist, used a diluted solution of botulinum toxin to treat a patient’s uncontrollable blinking. Then the couple discovered the toxin’s effect on relaxing wrinkles.
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They embarked on multi-year research and presented their findings at the ASDS annual meeting in 1991. BOTOX® was approved by the FDA for aesthetic use in 2002, marking a milestone in cosmetic medicine. Thanks to their research, the Carruthers are largely responsible for making BOTOX® a household name, according to ASDS.
Alastair retired in 2015 and returned to academia. He studied European and Middle Eastern history at the University of British Columbia. In his private life, he was passionate about sports and good wine.
“Dr. Alastair Carruthers will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” ASDS said in a statement. “His legacy of innovation, leadership and commitment will continue to inspire and impact the lives of many.”
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Source: HIS Education