In Memoriam: David G. Simons, MD
by Carolyn McMakin, MA, DC
 David Simons lived an
amazing and full life. He was born on June 6, 1922, attended Jefferson Medical School, and
joined the U.S. Air Force as a researcher and flight surgeon. Most of us in pain
management know him as a pioneer in the area of myofascial trigger points but he first
researched and wrote in the area of aerospace medicine when he engineered the telemetry
for the monkeys traveling into weightlessness and published the first papers in that field
in 1947. He became the first human to see the curvature of the earth from space in 1957
when he traveled to the edge of space in a high altitude balloon and watched Venus change
colors at the edge of space.
He became infected with the “trigger point virus” after hearing Janet Travell
lecture and together they wrote the Trigger Point Manual which has become a standard for
everyone practicing in the world of pain management. He researched trigger points and
stimulated others to do so by setting an example, by encouragement, advice, and
mentorship. He became determined to see myofascial trigger points and their treatment
become accepted by the medical profession and very nearly lived to see that life’s
goal achieved. In his lifetime, he wrote 231 peer-reviewed papers and five books. He
passed into what he described as “the next adventure” at the age of 87 on April
5, 2010.
The above describes what he did, not who he was. The real memorial for someone like
Dave Simons is what he left behind in those who knew him.
Who was he to you? Any or all of the following?
• Mentor
• Colleague
• Friend
• Inspiration
• Companion
• Agitator
• Collaborator
• Teacher
• Correspondent
• Encourager
• Irritator
• Resource
• Stimulator
• Motivator
David gave courage by example. He inspired intellectual passion and commitment and
challenged everyone to do the best that could be done, not just the best they thought they
could do.
He was such a strong presence, that he deeply touched every one he knew in some way. We
are all mindful of his unflinching dedication—a dedication that often verged on, or
merged with, obsession. This was the nexus of his very being, for he lived with passion,
hyperbole and affection, and was not lukewarm about much of anything. I will forever be
thankful to have known David as a friend, collaborator, constant inspiration and, since
June 18, 2006, as my husband.
Because of who he was and how he lived, he has a living memorial in everyone who knew
him. The memorial I am sure he would wish the most is that, through his books and
teaching, each of us learned something that would benefit our patients and make a
difference in their lives. We celebrate a truly remarkable life that is now ended, and we
give thanks that each of us had the opportunity to know a man called David Simons.
— Carolyn McMakin, MA, DC
Please refer to the May 2010 issue for the complete text. In the event you need to order a back issue, please click here.
— May 2010
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