In Memoriam of Dr. Margaret Skinner, Ph.D.

Margaret Walker Skinner, Ph.D., professor of otolaryngology and director of the Cochlear Implant and Hearing Rehabilitation Program at Washington University, St. Louis, died Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital after a long illness.

Skinner, known to friends and family as Margo, worked in audiology for more than four decades, earning an international reputation in auditory rehabilitation. Her research and insightful clinical skills culminated in the publication of a book considered the "Bible" on hearing aids. She was a pioneer in the field of cochlear implants to help patients who do not benefit from hearing aids, and she served on the executive boards of state and national auditory societies and chaired international conferences in this area.

Skinner began her academic career at Washington University as a lecturer in the Department of Speech and Hearing in 1977, eventually becoming a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in 1997. She became director of the Cochlear Implant and Hearing Rehabilitation Program in 1984.

She received many awards and honors including the Pioneer in Hearing Aids, the Jerger Career Award in Hearing from the American Academy of Audiology, the Carhart Memorial Lecturer from the American Auditory Society, the Washington University Academic Women's Pioneer Award and the keynote lectureship at the 11th International Symposium on Cochlear Implants in 2007.

Born in Washington, D.C., Feb. 13, 1935, Skinner earned a degree in chemistry at Wellesley College in 1956. She earned a master's degree in audiology from Case Western Reserve University in 1960 and worked as an audiologist for almost two decades before earning her doctorate in audiology at Washington University in 1976.

Growing up in a world in which most women became wives and mothers, Margo juggled being a homemaker and raising two boys with her clinical responsibilities as an audiologist. Although she did not complete her Ph.D. until her 40s, her progress was rapid due to her legendary clinical expertise and her well-honed multi-tasking capabilities. A translational scientist before the term was coined, Skinner's intense fascination and passion for her work has led many patients back into the world of sound. Noted for her integrative teamwork approach and problem solving skills, colleagues commend her vision, leadership and momentum. Skinner advises young scientists to develop goals for themselves based on an in depth assessment of their unique talents, capabilities, temperament, and interests. She suggests that the optimal/life balance requires self-attunement and nurturing so that one can be the most creative.

Adapted from the following WUSTL materials: www.wustl.edu and www.news-info.wustl.edu.