Thomas William "Tom" Ferguson (July 8, 1943 – April 14, 2006) was an American medical doctor, educator, and author.
Predicting the Internet's potential for disseminating medical information long before it became a familiar conduit, he was an early proponent of its use, terming laymen who did so 'E-Patients'.
"[1] He researched and promoted the popular use of electronic resources including the Internet to gather information and cope with medical conditions.
In 2002 he gave some "distinguished achievement awards" to leading individuals and organizations in the emerging area of "e-patients" and participatory medicine:[5] He exemplified his own philosophy when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1991.
"He relentlessly pursued strategies for both self-care and the newest research and experimental practices for controlling this aggressive cancer ...