John Falkenberg: Sound Advice, Selflessly Given

By Joseph Sonnabend, MD

John Falkenberg died this month.  John Falkenberg is not a name many people will recognize. This wouldn't be so had John not been so averse to public acknowledgement, or reluctant to even accept credit for the help he provided to individuals and to organizations.  He did not seek the limelight; in fact he actively shunned it.

But his influence was great.  He was a fountain of sound advice on HIV treatment issues, and his organizational skills enabled several groups serving the interests of people living with HIV to become established and thrive. 

Many individuals living with HIV have benefited from his experience and knowledge, but particularly his willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that they received appropriate care especially in times of emergency.  He was always willing to help even while dealing with his own health problems.

His knowledge of HIV disease and its treatments was extensive, and not infrequently he disagreed with official recommendations.  He was able to critically analyze published data and when he felt that the data did not support the author's conclusions and recommendations he could lucidly explain his criticisms. 

He essentially managed his own care, researching treatments and making choices.  He had done this so well for so very long that he seemed to be almost indestructible so news of his death came as a tremendous shock, as the sense of loss started to sink in.

Those of us who knew him have lost the very best of friends.