Funeral notice of Dr. Thomas O’Brien one of the pioneers who developed WHONET

It is with great sadness that we inform the death of Dr Thomas O’Brien, an expert in antimicrobial resistance and the visionary developer of the WHONET software, on the 9th of December at the age of 95.

Dr. O'Brien received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1954. He was a longtime faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

In 2011, Dr. O’Brien graciously visited Sri Lanka and conducted a training session for the members of the College of Microbiologists. This workshop, which he offered entirely free of charge, was instrumental in building local capacity for the use of WHONET.

He was the father of popular American television host and comedian, Conan O'Brien.

Dr. O’Brien would be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his kindness and dedication to sharing knowledge. The Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who mourn his great loss.