Thomas Wilson Meade. 21 January 1936—24 October 2022

Abstract

Tom Meade made outstanding contributions to our understanding of the role of the haemostatic (clotting) system in the causation of cardiovascular disease by combining epidemiological approaches with rigorous standardization of laboratory methods. As director of the MRC Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit (EMCU) at Northwick Park Hospital he led major prospective studies to investigate the relationship between a range of haemostatic factors and cardiovascular disease outcomes. He also led several major randomized trials of interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk, notably the Thrombosis Prevention Trial. The EMCU also undertook several landmark studies on common and often neglected conditions to improve knowledge of the burden of ill health (for example from incontinence) and effective interventions, including for low back pain and stroke rehabilitation. In his later career he also set up and led a series of large case–control studies among myocardial infarction, stroke, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism cases, together with their matched controls using a primary care database, showing elevated risks of both arterial and venous thrombosis following respiratory infections. He had many major scientific leadership roles, including playing a significant role in guiding the UK Biobank at its inception and chairing the steering committee of the Heart Protection Study Collaborative Group.