Dr. King Kennard Holmes, a pioneering infectious disease specialist and a cornerstone in the field of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), passed away on March 9, 2025, in Seattle at the age of 87 after a long illness. His extensive contributions have profoundly influenced public health policies and scientific research surrounding STIs.

Throughout his nearly six-decade tenure at the University of Washington, Dr. Holmes was instrumental in catapulting the often-neglected field of STIs into significant scientific discourse. His colleagues fondly remembered him in a 2024 tribute published in the journal *Sexually Transmitted Diseases*, celebrating his visionary leadership and monumental impact on global health.

Dr. Holmes held esteemed positions as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Global Health and Medicine, and he was the founding chair of the Global Health department. His dedication facilitated the establishment of groundbreaking initiatives and academic frameworks that have shaped current practices in STI prevention and treatment.

Starting his research career with the U.S. Navy in the late 1960s, Dr. Holmes faced a daunting epidemic of penicillin-resistant gonorrhea among sailors stationed in the Pacific. His innovative idea of administering a single dose of antibiotics to serotyped cases significantly decreased infection rates. This concept later evolved into the doxy-PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis), which has now gained endorsement from authoritative health organizations, including the CDC and WHO.

As a steadfast advocate for comprehensive STI research, Dr. Holmes expanded the realm of sexual health studies, addressing a range of conditions including chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis B, and HPV. His commitment to ethical science and interdisciplinary collaboration created an environment where STI prevention became a collective responsibility, attracting attention from public health sectors globally.

Dr. Holmes's influence extended well beyond the university walls. He played a crucial role in combatting the HIV epidemic during the 1980s, contributing to research and public education initiatives in numerous countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. His efforts not only aimed to improve health systems but also to train a new generation of scientists and public health professionals who would continue his legacy.

Among his numerous trainees is Dr. Larry Corey, a leading expert in virology, who attributed much of his success to Dr. Holmes's mentoring. Dr. Corey's acknowledgment highlights the profound impact Dr. Holmes had in nurturing talent and fostering scientific curiosity within the research community.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Holmes was pivotal in establishing a national surveillance system for gonorrhea, allowing for a better understanding of infection trends and antimicrobial resistance, which are critical issues in modern medicine. His visionary work has been integral in shaping public health policies and practice guidelines related to STIs.

Recognized for his achievements, Dr. Holmes was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine and received various honors, including Canada's Gairdner Foundation Global Health Award and the Alexander Fleming Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy extends far beyond his written publications, with over five hundred peer-reviewed papers, as he has inspired countless individuals in the field of infectious diseases.

Dr. Holmes, born in Minnesota on September 1, 1937, earned his degree from Harvard and later his M.D. from Cornell University. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and health equity, leaving behind a robust professional legacy.

He is survived by his beloved family, including his wife Dr. Virginia Gonzales, children, and grandchildren. A celebration of Dr. Holmes’s influential life is planned, along with an initiative to create the King K. Holmes Endowed Professorship in STD and AIDS to honor his contribution to global health.

Dr. King Holmes not only made remarkable strides in STI research but also transformed the landscape of public health, leaving an indelible mark on future generations of scientists and healthcare providers. His dedication to the education and betterment of society will continue to resonate through the work of those he inspired.