Dr. Marilyn Singleton, a trailblazer in medicine and the law

Pacific Legal Foundation is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Marilyn Singleton, a trailblazer whose remarkable career spanned both the legal and medical fields. Dr. Singleton, a dedicated advocate for justice and equality, passed away unexpectedly this week. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and colleagues who are mourning the loss of an extraordinary woman. 

Dr. Singleton’s legacy is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to fairness. As a medical doctor and a lawyer, she was uniquely positioned to challenge injustices within the healthcare system. Her dedication to her patients and her profession was evident in her tireless efforts to address problems with government entanglement in the doctor-patient relationship. I met Dr. Singleton due to her vocal opposition to the California mandate requiring implicit bias discussions in all continuing medical education courses. Dr. Singleton firmly believed that such mandates undermined the autonomy of doctors and the quality of patient care, and she courageously fought against this mandate in court. 

Although I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Singleton only a handful of times, each conversation left me profoundly inspired. Her passion for justice and her articulate advocacy for meaningful and individualized approaches to education and patient care resonated deeply. Dr. Singleton’s steadfastness in these matters earned her respect and admiration from peers and patients alike, and her ability to inspire those around her was truly remarkable. 

Although Dr. Singleton is no longer with us, her influence will continue to shape the fields of law and medicine. The lawsuit challenging the California mandate, in which I have the honor of representing Dr. Singleton, will proceed in her absence. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to justice will undoubtedly inspire those who follow in her footsteps. Dr. Marilyn Singleton will be sorely missed, but her contributions to society will never be forgotten.