William B. Hamlin, MD, was born in Okmulgee, Okla, on December 2, 1931. Much of his early life, however, was spent in Houston, Tex. Dr Hamlin attended Texas A&M College, College Station, Tex, from 1949 to 1951, prior to his induction into the US Navy in January 1951. As a hospital corpsman, he was attached to the US Marines, and served for 1 year in Korea with the first Marine Division.
After his discharge from the Navy, he enrolled at the University of Houston, graduating with the degree of bachelor of science in 1957. He received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Tex, in 1961. During his years in medical school, he worked as a medical technologist in several hospital laboratories.
Following a rotating internship at the US Public Health Hospital in Seattle, Wash, his first year of pathology residency was served at the same institution. He completed his residency training at the Swedish Hospital Medical Center in Seattle, Wash, under Dr Paul K. Lund, and was certified in anatomic and clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology in 1966.
Following his residency, Dr Hamlin was appointed associate pathologist at Swedish Hospital and was named director of laboratories there in 1967, a position he held until 1985. He and his associates then formed the Laboratory of Pathology of Seattle, Inc, which provided pathology services for Swedish Hospital. He was chairman of the board and director of laboratories until 1992 and later retired from active practice in 1994. In recognition of his organizational skills and the rapport he had with the medical staff, he was named executive director of surgical services at Swedish Hospital by its administration to solve scheduling problems in the operating rooms. He served in this capacity from January 1988 through March 1989.
Dr Hamlin was dedicated to the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and was generous with his time and talents. When he expressed concerns about the CAP's Instrument Maintenance Manual in 1975, he was appointed to the Instrumentation Committee charged with rewriting the manual. His involvement in the Laboratory Accreditation Program spanned nearly 30 years. During this period, he served as deputy and regional commissioner, vice-chair and interstate commissioner, and served for 10 years as chair of the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation during its period of greatest growth as well as its expansion into accreditation of international laboratories. Dr Hamlin played a major role in developing the computer support of activities that today facilitate operations of the central office, of regional and state commissioners, and of individual inspectors. He was an effective voice for pathology in dealing with government and other organizations that play a role in regulation of laboratories. His integrity, knowledge, and straightforward manner gained him the respect of all with whom he came in contact. His impact on laboratory quality is a legacy that will be felt for years.
Dr Hamlin's interest in the CAP extended well beyond laboratory accreditation. He was twice elected governor of the CAP, and he served with distinction on numerous committees and as chair of the Council on Scientific Affairs. In 1987, he was in charge of designing the CAP's new headquarters in Northfield, Ill.
In recognition of his service to the CAP and pathology, he received numerous awards, including the CAP Pathologist of the Year Award, the Frank W. Hartman Memorial Award, the Frank C. Coleman Award for Public Service, and the General Joe M. Blumberg Award. In 1997, he received the ‘Laboratory Public Service National Leadership Award’ from the Washington G-2 Reports.
Dr Hamlin had numerous interests other than pathology. He was an avid bird watcher and stamp collector. He traveled to Africa on 3 separate occasions, and was a volunteer with Pathologists Overseas in Nairobi, Kenya. Military history, particularly of World War II, was another of his passions. He was devoted to his family, and Christmas in Seattle was always a special time for him.
Dr Hamlin died in Seattle, Wash, on May 3, 2004. He is survived by Irene, his wife of 47 years; his children Vicki, Sheryl, and Charles; and 6 grandchildren. All who knew him will miss his wisdom, good humor, and above all else, his friendship.
