Dr. King Holmes, world pioneer in sexually transmitted disease research and care, dies at age 87

Dr. King Kennard Holmes, a renowned expert in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), passed away on March 9, 2025, in Seattle, at the age of 87. His groundbreaking work began in the U. S. Navy, where he tackled an epidemic of penicillin-resistant gonorrhea among sailors.

In the 1970s, he joined the University of Washington, where he founded several STI research and patient care initiatives during a time of increasing sexual openness and rising infection rates. Dr. Holmes became a pivotal figure in HIV/AIDS research during the early 1980s and continued his advocacy efforts throughout his career. His colleagues hailed him as a visionary, noting his unparalleled productivity and influence on the field. As a Distinguished Professor Emeritus, he shaped the future of global health education and research at the University of Washington.

His legacy lives on through the many trainees and researchers he inspired. Additional insights about his life and contributions can be found in his obituary on the UW Medicine Newsroom.