Jack W. Coburn, MD 1932–2004

Abstract

Dr. Coburn was one of the first graduates of UCLA School of Medicine in 1957, and, following residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, he returned to UCLA for a research fellowship at the Wadsworth VA Medical Center. He entered the armed services in 1964 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. In 1966, he returned to UCLA and developed a strong academic nephrology division and began a productive career in translational research, the main focus of which was renal osteodystrophy and mineral metabolism. His work resulted in many major findings that have led to a reduction in the morbidity of this disorder. He continued his academic contributions while maintaining a busy clinical practice and was extraordinarily well liked by his patients and colleagues. He achieved a national and international reputation for his prowess in the field of divalent ion and skeletal metabolism and published more than 250 scientific papers. He made major contributions to defining calcium absorption in chronic kidney disease, the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism, and the use of vitamin D and its analogs in therapy. His work continued until recently; he made major contributions to the introduction of calcimimetic agents for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism. In recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of nephrology, Dr. Coburn received the Belding H. Scribner Award of the American Society of Nephrology in 2003.Dr. Coburn was also an outstanding mentor for nephrology trainees who have gone on to make their own contributions to nephrology. He was a “master clinician” and was often consulted for difficult clinical problems. He had a unique ability to apply his extensive knowledge to these clinical situations, and his observations often provided the basis for further research.An illustration of the extent of Dr. Coburn's dedication to work is his having invited Dr. Slatopolsky into his home to work together on a textbook chapter. Long hours of work were often followed by good conversation while enjoying a glass of fine wine. In addition to his outstanding academic career and his extensive clinical practice, Dr. Coburn always found time for his family.With the death of Jack W. Coburn, MD, we have lost not only an outstanding nephrologist but also an engaging personality and a great friend who will never be forgotten. Dr. Coburn was one of the first graduates of UCLA School of Medicine in 1957, and, following residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, he returned to UCLA for a research fellowship at the Wadsworth VA Medical Center. He entered the armed services in 1964 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. In 1966, he returned to UCLA and developed a strong academic nephrology division and began a productive career in translational research, the main focus of which was renal osteodystrophy and mineral metabolism. His work resulted in many major findings that have led to a reduction in the morbidity of this disorder. He continued his academic contributions while maintaining a busy clinical practice and was extraordinarily well liked by his patients and colleagues. He achieved a national and international reputation for his prowess in the field of divalent ion and skeletal metabolism and published more than 250 scientific papers. He made major contributions to defining calcium absorption in chronic kidney disease, the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism, and the use of vitamin D and its analogs in therapy. His work continued until recently; he made major contributions to the introduction of calcimimetic agents for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism. In recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of nephrology, Dr. Coburn received the Belding H. Scribner Award of the American Society of Nephrology in 2003. Dr. Coburn was also an outstanding mentor for nephrology trainees who have gone on to make their own contributions to nephrology. He was a “master clinician” and was often consulted for difficult clinical problems. He had a unique ability to apply his extensive knowledge to these clinical situations, and his observations often provided the basis for further research. An illustration of the extent of Dr. Coburn's dedication to work is his having invited Dr. Slatopolsky into his home to work together on a textbook chapter. Long hours of work were often followed by good conversation while enjoying a glass of fine wine. In addition to his outstanding academic career and his extensive clinical practice, Dr. Coburn always found time for his family. With the death of Jack W. Coburn, MD, we have lost not only an outstanding nephrologist but also an engaging personality and a great friend who will never be forgotten. Professor of Medicine and Director, Division of Nephrology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri Joseph Friedman Professor of Renal Diseases in Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri