Donald Low, born on May second, nineteen forty-five, was a distinguished Canadian microbiologist renowned for his pivotal role during the SARS outbreak of two thousand three. He served as the microbiologist-in-chief at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto from nineteen eighty-five until two thousand thirteen, where he made significant contributions to the field of microbiology.
Graduating from medical school at the University of Manitoba, Low became a prominent figure in the Canadian public eye during the SARS crisis. Although he held no official position, his calm demeanor and effective communication during press conferences made him a trusted voice in the response to the outbreak. During this challenging time, he, along with several other physicians, was required to quarantine at home.
In two thousand five, Low took on the role of medical director of the public health laboratory at the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion. He was also recognized as an expert in necrotizing fasciitis caused by Group A streptococcus, further solidifying his reputation in the medical community.
On a personal note, Low was married to CBC News reporter Maureen Taylor and had three children from a previous marriage. In February two thousand thirteen, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which ultimately led to his passing on September eighteenth of the same year at the age of sixty-eight. In a poignant video released posthumously, Low expressed his frustrations regarding the lack of control over his own life, advocating for the right to assisted suicide.