Oxford Medicine June 2004

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VOLUME 1: ISSUE 1

Oxford medicine contents Editorial

1

Alumni profies

2

Tutor profiles

3

Student profiles

4

Division news

5

University news

6

Alumni news

7

Prizes & awards

8

Obituaries

8

Events

8

Book reviews

8

Notes from the Head of the Division of Medical Sciences The Medical Sciences Division Vision "Our aim in Research is be to be the best university biomedical institution in Europe, to be amongst the top five in the world and, in the context of outstanding research, to deliver top class Teaching and Patient Care."

We received top scores in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise and boast 18 of Oxford's 36 highly cited authors. The division has set up a small working party to initiate planning for the next RAE in 2008. This is chaired by Professor Rodney Phillips and the group is charged with recommending how the division can maximise its RAE returns. Initially we will assess four outputs from each researcher by the end of the long vacation. Sir Gareth Roberts gave Heads of Departments a helpful and fascinating presentation on national thinking on the RAE. Staff in 2003 The Division now comprises over 2,200 academics and staff, 600 graduate students and 900 undergraduates. In total over 2,000 individuals are involved in research.

Contacting OMA:

Oxford Medical Alumni Medical Sciences Office John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford OX3 9DU Email: jayne.todd@medsci.ox.ac.uk Enquiries: 01865 221690 Fax: 01865 750750 Website: www.medsci.ox.ac.uk

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editorial Teaching 2003-4

In 2003 there were 288 applications for 30 places

programmes for later this year, with the intention of

relate to the University’s internal Resource

Undergraduate courses. The new undergraduate

for the graduate intake 4-year medical course.

ensuring that our teaching programmes (both

allocation Method (RAM). Because the University

Honours course began in 2004 which is ‘theme

under-graduate and post-graduate) are appropriate

as a whole (like all universities) is under-funded,

based’ in the Medical Sciences. In 2003 there were

NHS Relationships

for the 21st century, both in terms of effectiveness

the Medical Sciences Division has not, to date,

1187 applications for 150 places, which is up 26%

The changing environment within the National

and relevance.

received all of the RAM income it should, because

on previous years. The distribution of students in

Health Service, both locally and nationally,

2002-2003 is:

continues to present challenges to the work of the

Find ways of implementing these strategies

because these divisions could not make the savings

Medical Sciences Division. National changes to the

To tackle the financial problems caused by low

required in a short period of time. This amounts to

Undergraduates

NHS consultant contract have led to a considerable

HEFCE income, low overhead income on research

around £2m a year. However, this cross-subsidy

Clinical Medical Students reading for the Oxford

amount of collaboration with other Medical Schools

grants, and inadequate income from NHS.

should be phased out by 2006/7 and this year the

BM BCh: 318

and the local NHS trusts to ensure as smooth a

Research income continues to increase at around

division will benefit by around £1m more than last

transition to the new contract for clinical

10% a year with a success rate of grant applications

year. It is important to realise that a similar intra-

Graduate students

some has been retained for other divisions simply

academics. The severe financial pressures within the

of about 60%. This is a tremendous success

divisional cross-subsidy is currently necessary

1

local NHS trusts continue to put some strain on the

considering the increasing competitiveness of the

because departments are in different financial

Cardiovascular medicine

15

shared tripartate mission of teaching, research and

external funding environment. However, we have

situations, but again, these cross-subsidies should

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

24

clinical service, shared by the University and the

two major financial structural problems. First,

be eliminated in due course.

trusts. There have been some notable shared

nationally, there are inadequate overheads on

achievements such as the Oxford Centre for

research council and EU grants and no overhead on

If all these adjustments to the division’s income are

Anaesthetics

Clinical medicine

137

Clinical Neurology

25

Clinical Pharmacology

5

Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism and a

charitable grants. The QR component of the HEFCE

implemented as proposed, and if the division’s costs

Experimental Psychology

88

recently signed Research and Development

block grant to universities (which includes a

do not rise disproportionately, (both big IF’s), then

Human Anatomy and Genetics

48

Governance agreement. Furthermore the role of the

pseudo-overhead for charitable grants) is too low

the financial structure of the division should be

Medical Oncology

17

University and the Trusts in the others' strategic

and apparently under threat. As Oxford obtains a

much healthier in two years’ time.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

6

planning activities is now firmly established and

disproportionately large amount of charitable

Ophthalmology

6

working well.

grants, our research success is therefore a double-

This then would allow us, for the first time, to

edged sword. The government proposes to address

consider funding activities which are pan-divisional

this by both increasing the money in the system

in nature and benefit all departments, but which

and by the new Full Economic Costing (FEC)

are difficult for departments to fund as separate

methodology which will be used for all grant

entities. Examples of these activities include

applications from August 2005. However, it is not

enhanced fund-raising and public relations.

Orthopaedic Surgery Paediatrics

8 20

Pathology

55

Pharmacology

44

Challenges

Physiology

59

Develop our strategies for research and

Psychiatry

20

teaching: Strategic Planning

at all clear how this new system will affect the

Public health and primary care

15

As our aim is to be amongst the best in the world

division. In theory, a successful application under

Surgery

20

and as we have the smallest amount of HEFCE

the FEC method will provide all the costs of the

teaching income in the country, it is vital that we

research (direct and indirect), thereby providing a

◆

Find ways of retaining top senior research fellows

Graduate courses

optimise our investments by having a clear plan for

substantial increase in our income and solving the

◆

Fulfil our vision of teaching and patient care in a

Oxford now offers taught MSc courses in:

the future. I have therefore chaired three half-day

funding gap. However, this is based on the

◆

Neuroscience

sessions with members of the strategic planning

University providing around 35% of the FEC of the

◆

Diagnostic Imaging

group and Heads of Departments over the last term

grant from its OWN resources (including all sources

◆

Cognitive Therapy Studies

to progress our current 5-year research strategy. A

of income, such as QR, endowments, etc.) and it is

◆

Research in Psychology

draft document discussed in June will be

not at all clear whether the numbers will add up.

◆

Science and Medicine of Athletic Performance

disseminated for comment and information. This

The University is currently attempting to model this,

(2003)

agreed plan will then be used to guide our

but I have asked Stephen Purbrick (the divisional

Pharmacology (2003)

decisions about funding, posts, buildings, etc.

accountant) to assess the divisional impact.

Integrated Immunology (2004)

Separately, I have asked the Chair of the divisional

The second structural problem is how our finances

◆ ◆

EPSC to produce a strategic plan for our teaching

◆

Find ways of attracting top scientists to senior posts

dynamic research environment.

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alumni

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Oxford Pre-clinical Medical School Memories Our lecturers were consumed with enthusiasm.

ounces of cheese and some powdered egg sent

turned out positive but I have

Professor Le Gros Clark knew all about the Leakeys

through the post from home; there was also a

never had them repeated so

and our animal-like ancestors australopithecus and

factory up Woodstock Road from where two cakes

perhaps I did make a few

Photographers will know what I mean! Well, the twilight symbolises the patchy

transported us into East Africa. Likewise the

could be purchased every Friday morning.

mistakes though certainly not

long term memory, the wide aperture a lifetime of various swings of fortune, the

delineating the extensor carpi radialis brevis or

The Warden, ‘Carp’, lived in a grand lodging with a

Richard Doll study as a non-

delicately describing small female parts. The small

very dark vestibule which was intimidating even

smoking guinea pig.

group of women students were equally enthusiastic

when you had not committed a misdemeanour like

about writing everything down while most of the

being seen in the sacrosanct Fellows’ garden or

After reading original papers on

men listened intently (although some seemed to be

visiting pubs which was strictly forbidden. ‘Carp’

‘mesmerism’ I spent many

asleep) and made occasional brief notes. We

was a quiet thoughtful person but he could sing

evening hours trying to hypnotise

studied "The Tissues of the Body" and saw their

through the whole of ‘Merbecke’ in front of the

a PPE student without success:

microscopic structure on projected slides before

chapel choir with no accompaniment and still be in

we always fell asleep. But

making our own: the lecturer had an unfortunate

tune at the end. What a soloist! Mrs Carp looked

recently at his Golden Wedding

Imagine, if you can, a black and white photograph of a twilight scene taken with a wide aperture lens, a longish exposure and a camera held with a shaky hand.

tremor comes with significant seniority and the result is what you are going to read here: a brief account of my pre-clinical experience viewed through the wrong end of a telescope nearly sixty years long.

Dr Alan S. Gardiner matric. 1945

In October 1945 I was the only undergraduate at

impressive ceremony in The Sheldonian.

Keble reading Medicine. This meant I had to find

demonstrators aroused one’s interest whether

with tobacco, enrolling in the

out everything for myself; not that anyone was

Here I quote from my first letter home - "21.10.45

stutter which could be heard emanating from half a

forbidding but gave birth to an adorable baby boy

celebration I was able to confide

unhelpful, I just did not know what to ask. My

My timetable is full up all day and every day

dozen places in the lecture hall when the lights

named Humphrey. As the terms progressed more

to guests that unfortunately I

County School was surprised to find I was going to

(including Saturday morning) except Tuesday. In

went out. His wife, Alice, had blue or mauve hair

and more newcomers appeared when demobilisation

had failed to get him out of his

Oxford (supportive parents) and I found myself

this respect it is like being back at school, and I

and struck fear into me with her penetrating gaze

took effect; these ex-servicemen (no women in

last trance: when I snapped my

poorly prepared for the transition to college life

have to work most evenings. A set of instruments

when she took an anatomy viva. She could see I

college!) did not take kindly to such restrictions.

fingers he played along with me,

which really started with the Open Scholarship

(essential) has cost nearly £2, in preparation for

knew nothing!

These mattered little to me as I was poring over the

woke up and saw his wife "for

examinations in March 1945. It was wartime and

histology and dissection. (I accidentally saw my

1558 pages of Henry Gray’s "Anatomy" – the 1945

the first time in fifty years".

Keble was peopled by ‘hundreds’ of women who

first corpse on Wednesday: it looked like Gandhi,

I was more interested in physiology and gained the

reprint of the twenty-eighth edition of 1942

Much rejoicing.

came to breakfast in hall still in their nightgowns

with a turban round its head). All Thursday, Friday

impression I could predict which student would

presented to me as a prize for ‘Sixth Form pre-

and carrying day clothes on one arm; the other arm

and Saturday morning I do organic chemistry

become a surgeon and which a physician: I had no

Medical Studies’. There were diversions such as

In my last term I decided to take

was for snatching up cereal and toast before

practical, which is very tiring. Dr Parkes runs the

inkling that numerous specialities would develop.

musical parties in the organ scholar’s rooms and on

fitness seriously and set off

running off to the waiting coaches which took them

organic chemistry, and is as amusing and nice as

So I began to find myself delving into the original

one occasion I watched with amazement a

before breakfast every morning

to Woodstock for the day. I heard they dressed

ever. A new armchair arrived on Thursday; we are

papers describing Henderson’s and Haggard’s

theological graduate drinking the tenth pint of beer

for a brisk run round the park. I

during the journey but can’t verify that. The

still hoping for some more furniture."

investigations on Pike’s Peak, near Denver, Colorado

standing on his head: attendance at chapel was

have never felt so unwell but

without foreseeing my career as an anaesthetist.

compulsory three times a week.

managed to complete the

Merton clock was clearly audible every hour of the night as I anxiously awaited the hours of my trial.

The Museum was just across the road – Keble was

Every evening, after dinner, I spent a couple of

Being modestly successful I was granted a place,

by far the most convenient place to be – and every

hours in the Radcliffe Science Library returning to

At the time I did not realise the privileged company

from Candidates for the

but more inquisition was on the way since I had

day I walked through the Pitt-Rivers’ twice in each

college just before the gate closed at 10pm.

I kept. Douglas told us candidly the ‘Douglas bag’

Examinations in Medicine and

failed Latin in the London School Certificate, and

direction; it was never locked and I would browse

was just an ordinary gas bag; Florey divulged he

Surgery". I still have the

pre-medical examinations had to be passed in the

for several hours on Saturday afternoons, taking in

Back in college, life was devoid of all the comforts

had heard with his own ears in the U.S.A. that the

Certificates, treasured proof that

Oxford way too.

shrunken heads, beads and dinosaurs. My entry to

we expect today. It was cold and dreary. The war

Americans had discovered penicillin; there were

it was not just a dream. Owing

the dissecting room in the Anatomy Department

had just ended, food was severely rationed, the

Ernst Chain, Edith Bülbring and Harold Burn just

to wartime regulations the

I struggled up from the station lugging two heavy

was delayed several days by sheer nervousness. I

electrical system had been wrecked by women

around the corner; and I saw from Professor

Honours Course was omitted and

suitcases and joined about a dozen other lads in

could see all those people crouched round

running irons from light sockets, there was enough

Gardner just how to change gear elegantly. We did

I soon lost myself in the Charing

the JCR, where the Bursar explained college rules

emaciated bodies (later I called them cadavers!) and

coal for only three evening fires a week – no other

our own fractional test meals, liver function tests

Cross Hospital Medical School,

and asked for the term’s fees; we wrote cheques

they were confidently busy. Eventually I discovered

heating except the stove in the kitchen down the

(my liver topped the list on the blackboard: it still

part of London University and

(that was almost all my credit balance gone) and

one member of the quartet dissecting an arm was

corridor – cold water in the jug by the bowl in the

works well), tried out amyl nitrite, put atropine

now absorbed into Imperial

several of us forgot to sign them just as he had

missing and realised it was I. From then on I

bedroom froze during the night and the only baths

drops in mouse eyes and pithed a frog or two; the

College. Travelling up to the city

predicted. Apart from finding my room and where

became part of the gang and familiarised myself

were across two quads even when it was snowing.

first jumped out of my hand onto the collar of the

from Wimbledon every day with

food was, I had no idea what to do next but a

with the routine of frequent viva examinations – a

One of my neighbours, a physicist, sang Gilbert &

chap in front. Somatotyping was all the rage and

‘millions’ of commuters was not

kindly grey-haired Fellow who was ‘in loco parentis’

new and long-lasting experience.

Sullivan rather a lot but I needed to share his fire

you could be paid for standing as a model in front

much to my liking.

and the food situation was eased a little by two

of a group of art students. My W.R. and Hahn tests

to me had a programme. I duly matriculated in an

courses of instruction "Required

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students

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Life as a medical student

As I look back over my progress through medical school I am struck how I

the exercise of the very highest faculties of the

relationships with people and undergoing not only

mind, while constantly appealing to the emotions

initiation into adulthood but also initiation into the

have changed both personally and professionally. After finishing three

and higher feelings." Sir William Osler

world of medicine. Coming from a non-medical

years of university studying pre-clinical medicine, I wonder if I was ready to begin my training in clinical medicine. I was eager to begin the next three years but I had no real conception of what it would be like.

background, I often feel that my family, who are One major issue that I battled with at the beginning

kind and empathetic, do not fully realise what life

of my clinical years as a student was that medicine

as a medical student is like for me because it is not

seemed to be taking over my life. I have always

comparable to their life experiences. If I am

enjoyed many outside activities: I currently sit on

missing out on many opportunities that I would

the college common room committee, play violin in

otherwise have taken advantage of, I really feel

the university orchestra, sing with a chapel choir

that I am making up for it in other ways. I have

Written by

I was voyaging into the unknown, and I did not truly

offer from a university and then takes up one’s

and enjoy a variety of literature, theatre and art. I

the chance to witness a wide range of intense

Russell Durkin,

think I would acquire the experience and insight that

place. For many, this coincides with a true sense of

am extremely busy balancing my medical studies

human emotion first hand and there are few

5th year medical

has led me to where I am now. Our development as

ambition to be a doctor. In my case, however, I

with my outside activities and perhaps do too

university degrees that offer that. For as long as I

student at Green

students is dependent on our character and therefore

only knew recently that it was what I really wanted

much. My main passions though are medicine and

am a medical student and a doctor, I never want to

College, Oxford

is unique to each individual. Some of us have

to do. As I moved into my fifth year, I was still

singing: I take singing lessons regularly and would

forget this privilege.

obstacles that others do not even consider as

unsure that medicine would be enough for me. A

like somehow to combine these passions in the

potential problems, such as self-confidence issues or

consideration of other ideas is a natural part of our

future.

communication problems when dealing with strangers

progress in early adulthood. I was concerned that

or speaking in front of large groups, as I first

in several years’ time I might regret missed career

"No man is really happy or safe without a hobby,

encountered. I like to think of this period of my life

options: those I abandoned or ones I even failed to

and it makes precious little difference what the

as an important transition allowing me to acquire the

see. We are young when we start our training and

outside interest may be………anything will do so

SIR WILLIAM OSLER (1849-1919). Physician, writer

skills I will need as a practicing doctor.

our time and attention are so fully engaged, that

long as he straddles a hobby and rides it hard."

and educator. Born in Canada. In 1904, he became

we may already be missing out on many life

Sir William Osler

the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford

"For better or worse, there are fewer occupations of a more satisfying character than the practice of medicine" Sir William Osler

So far, all of my efforts have aimed towards the one

opportunities. However daunting it is to be

goal: to be a doctor. Throughout my studies and

thinking about our future, we must not forget how

Being a medical student is a challenging experience;

non-medical literature and greatly influenced

experience I have tried to identify key attributes

easy it is to be swept up by a career in medicine

a time when one is discovering oneself, developing

medical education in Britain and the United States.

that make a good doctor, such as compassion,

and what we may be missing. A commitment to

confidence, good communication and commitment.

medicine, I believe, comes at a later stage, when

Some of these attributes are not specifically taught

we have people to inspire us and show us the real

but I hope to acquire them during my training.

meaning of this decision. We can observe doctors

Some attributes will be difficult to learn and I may

who demonstrate their compassion for patients as

find I am incapable of doing so to the degree I

fellow human beings, but it takes our capability to

wish. However, as I progress and wherever my path

appreciate the empathy of medicine. I believe this

in life takes me, a career in medicine will be a

should never be forgotten, taken for granted or

unique life experience that I should be proud and

overcome by woes effecting health care in the NHS.

grateful to say I was able to achieve.

Identification of restrictions and our own limitations is an important part of our progression and should

"Education is a lifelong process, in which the

form the foundation from which we work. I aim to

student can make only a beginning during his

focus on improving and managing my own personal

college course." Sir William Osler

limitations during my time as a medical student, as well as learn what is needed to pass the exams.

The initial steps in becoming a medical student are when one decides one wants to read medicine at

"The physician needs a clear head and a kind

university, chooses appropriate A-levels, obtains an

heart: his work is arduous and complex, requiring

University. Osler extensively wrote medical and

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awards Andre Balazs Prize 2004 Neville Osborne, Professor of Ocular Neurobiology has been awarded the Andre Balazs prize for his work on retinal ischaemia.

The prize is worth $20,000

Sir Richard Peto FRS

We congratulate

Professor Rory Collins

the following

Received Lord Cohen Gold

large-scale randomised trials of the treatment of

Was awarded the Pfizer

1986. Professor Collins is the lead investigator of

Medal Royal Society for

heart disease, stroke, cancer and a variety of other

Award for Innovative

HPS the Heart Protection Study at Oxford. His work

the Promotion of Health

diseases. He has been instrumental in introducing

Science 2004 worth

has been in the establishment of large-scale

2004. Sir Richard is

combined 'meta-analyses' of results from related

(£50,000). Professor

randomised trials of the treatment of heart disease,

Professor of Medical

trials that achieve uniquely reliable assessment of

Collins is the British Heart

other vascular disease and of cancer. He has also

Statistics & Epidemiology

treatment effects. He was elected a Fellow of the

Foundation Professor of

been closely involved in developing approaches to

at the University of

Royal Society of London in 1989, and was knighted

Medicine & Epidemiology

the combination of results from related randomised

Oxford. In 1975, he set

(for services to epidemiology and to cancer

at the University of

controlled trials ('systematic overviews' or 'meta-

up the CTSU, of which he

prevention) in 1999. Professor Peto is joint

Oxford. In 1981, he

analyses') that allow the more reliable assessment

and Professor Rory Collins are now co-directors.

statistician for the Heart Protection Study (HPS)

joined the Clinical Trial Service Unit (CTSU), and

of treatment effects. Professor Collins is the lead

Professor Peto's work has included studies of the

with Dr Sarah Parish.

became its co-director with Sir Richard Peto in

investigator of HPS.

current and former members of the student body: George Pickering Prize 2004 ◆

Matthew C Frise graduated 2004

◆

James C Lee graduated 2004

◆

Margaret Harris Memorial Prize

causes of cancer in general, and of the effects of

2004

smoking in particular, and the establishment of

◆

David W Connell graduated 2004

◆

Helen K Crispin graduated 2004

Dr Kevin Bradley

Sir Richard Doll FRS, CH

A member of the Oxford

in different regions of the brain decreased in a

Project to Investigate

characteristic way as the disease progressed, and

Memory and Ageing

this changing pattern correlated with the spread of

(OPTIMA), was presented

pathological signs seen in the microscope after

with a top prize for his

death.

research by the American Alzheimer’s Association

Dr Bradley said: ‘The paper shows that decreased

on 18 July 2004 at the

blood flow is an early sign of abnormal function in

9th International

the brain in Alzheimer’s disease and that it could

Conference on

account for some of the symptoms observed as the

Tyler Laureate 2003

Run Run Shaw in November 2002, to honour

($200,000) was awarded

scientists, regardless of race, nationality and

the Shaw Prize 2004 ($1

religious belief, who have achieved significant

million) in Hong Kong on

breakthrough in academic and scientific research or

September 7th 2004 for

application, and whose work has resulted in a

his contribution to

positive and profound impact on mankind. Sir

modern cancer

Richard’s study into the link between cancer and

epidemiology. The Shaw

smoking reached its fiftieth year in 2004 and the

Prize was established

table below shows the results of this ongoing

under the auspices of Mr.

investigation.

disease progresses. For the first time it is possible

Philadelphia. Dr Bradley has been awarded their

to reveal in life how far the pathological changes

% probablity

Alzheimer’s Disease New Investigator Neuroimaging

affecting nerve cells have spread throughout the

of surviving

Award – a prize for the best paper from a promising

brain.’

scientific journal Brain in 2002.

damage to nerve cells occurs over many years. The The paper described studies on blood flow in

approach described by the OPTIMA team will help

different regions of the brain in patients with

doctors to determine how far advanced the disease

Alzheimer’s disease, using a method called single

is in an individual patient and so help to decide

photon emission tomography (SPET). The blood flow

when treatment is appropriate.

Preliminary Examination in Medicine Part 1 Examiners Prize 2004 ◆

Justyn M Thomas (5th year) Radcliffe Infirmary Essay Prize in Medicine 2004 Erlick AC Pereira (final year) Radcliffe Infirmary Essay Prize in

from age 70 to age 90 if giving up smoking in

Dr Bradley’s work shows that the spread of the

Anna L Pozo graduated 2004

◆

Alzheimer’s disease and Related Disorders in

new investigator – for work he published in the

◆

the decades shown

Surgery 2004 ◆

Sam Behatji (5th year)

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appointments

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obituaries

Oxford was

Harold Jaffe, FFE (AB California, Berkeley, MD

signaling proteins involved in controlling the rate

Nachman Ambache

gave him great joy and he loved to share his

delighted to

California, Los Angeles,), Acting Director,

at which cells grow and divide

Former researcher in

discoveries of special plants with his many friends.

make the

National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention,

physiology and

He leaves a wife and two children, one of whom is

following senior

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

Pending

pharmacology Medical

a professional pianist. [Desmond Greaves]

appointments

Atlanta, has been appointed to the Chair of

The Division finds itself currently in the

Research Council (b Egypt

2003-4

Public Health with effect from 1 July 2004. Dr

unprecedented position of recruiting

1917; q

Terence Joseph

Jaffe will be a fellow of St Cross College.

simultaneously to three of the most prestigious

Cambridge/Oxford 1943),

Hypher

chairs in its South Parks Road departments. The

died from heart failure on

Former consultant

Peter Ratcliffe FRS, Nuffield Professor of

retirements in 2004 and 2005 of Professor

3 February 2004.

ophthalmic surgeon

Medicine

Bryant and Professor Smith, and the departure

Swansea (b 24 March

of Professor Blakemore to become Chief

Nachman Ambache came to the United Kingdom in

1932; q Galway 1959;

Keith Willett, Consultant Orthopaedic Trauma

Executive of the Medical Research Centre have

1929 for education at Peterborough Lodge School,

OStJ, FRCS Ed), d 1 March

Surgeon and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Oxford,

created the opportunity for a strategic approach

London, Clifton College, Bristol, and Trinity College,

2004.

has been appointed to the Orthopaedic Trauma

to the refilling of these posts; the Watts

Cambridge, gaining major scholarships and first

Surgery Chair from June 2004. Mr. Willett

Professorship of Psychology, the Professorship of

class honours.

received his medical training at the Charing Cross

Pharmacology and the Waynflete Professorship

Hospital in London and became a Fellow of the

of Physiology respectively.

Royal College of Surgeons in 1985. He held

Mr Terence Joseph Hypher was born in Slough and was initially educated in Catholic schools, remaining

In 1939 he returned to Egypt to work in Professor

a faithful and staunch Catholic throughout his life.

Anrep’s department and gain some experience of

He spent his later formative years at the boarding

appointments at the Royal National Orthopaedic

The Medical Sciences Board has taken a decision

physiological research. On his return to the United

school of St Edmund’s College, Ware. The UK

Hospital and St Mary's Hospital, as well as the

to use the appointments to maintain and

Kingdom he took his MA (Cantab) and qualified

medical schools being heavily oversubscribed with

Sunny Brook Health Science Centre in Toronto,

hopefully strengthen the neuroscience research

MRCS, LRCP following completion of his clinical

demobbed servicemen, he entered medical school

Canada, before he moved to Oxford in 1991. He

that cuts across the activities of a number of

training at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford.

at the University College of Galway, Ireland, and

is a member of the International Orthopaedic

the Division's departments, both clinical and

Trauma Association, the British Orthopaedic

non-clinical. The strategic focus on neuroscience

From 1943 to 1946 he became demonstrator and

Association, the British Trauma Society and the

for these appointments is seen as essential

assistant lecturer in pathology and bacteriology at

Following his house surgeon and physician posts he

British Orthopaedic Research Society. His

given the loss that the three incumbents

Guy’s Hospital Medical School. In 1947 Ambache

briefly became a general practitioner, but had an

expertise covers a wide range of areas including

represent to Neuroscience in Oxford. Whilst the

became lecturer in physiology at University College

early interest in ophthalmology and attended a

fractures in the elderly, patients with critical

focus for these appointments is neuroscience,

London under Sir Lovatt Evans.

course and eye clinics at the Moorfields Eye

injuries and injury prevention. He will be a Fellow

however, candidates from other disciplines will

of Wolfson College.

be actively considered if they are seen to offer a

In 1948 he settled on a career in physiology and

officer and then registrar at the Oxford Eye Hospital

graduated MB, BCh, BAO in 1959.

Hospital. He subsequently became a senior house

substantial contribution to the academic

pharmacology, joining the full time staff at the MRC

and obtained his diploma in ophthalmology.

Nicholas La Thangue, has been appointed to

programme of the relevant department and the

ophthalmologic research unit in Judd Street, and

Following his marriage he gained valuable early

the Chair of Clinical Laboratory Science from

Division. The electoral boards for the each of the

later the MRC external staff at the Royal College of

experience in eye surgery at the St John of

April 2005. Professor La Thangue is currently

appointments have now been established and it

Surgeons, being promoted to special appointments

Jerusalem Eye Hospital, East Jerusalem, Jordan. The

Cathcart Professor of Biochemistry at the

is hoped that further news on these key

grade.

hospital is a charitable foundation of the Venerable

University of Glasgow in the Institute of

appointments will be available in 2005.

Biomedical and Life Sciences he was made a

Order of St John, providing essential eye care to the In 1957 his researches into prostaglandins led him

predominantly Arab populations of the West Bank,

into the discovery of irin.

Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Terence continued to

Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2004

Meanwhile, the invitee to the Chair of Radiation

for his Studies of Transcription and Cell Cycle

Biology – a joint position with the MRC (as

Control. Professor Nicholas La Thangue leads a

Director of the MRC Radiation Unit at Harwell) is

In more relaxed moments he enjoyed making music,

life. He was awarded OStJ (officer of the Most

20-strong research team studying two key

negotiating a variety of issues with the division,

for he was an accomplished violinist. In later years

Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem) in 1969.

proteins present in normal cells called p53 and

the MRC and CRUK. This is proving a particularly

he became more interested in the physical character

Following his return to the United Kingdom in 1966

pRB (retino-blastoma protein). Both are crucial

interesting experience.

of violins, particularly the famous ones. His garden

he became clinical assistant in ophthalmology at

support the needs of this hospital throughout his

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obituaries Addenbrooke’s Hospital, ophthalmic registrar at the

David George Jamison

about his work and career, and he was appointed as

Her expertise and international distinction in

West Suffolk General Hospital, Bury St Edmunds,

Former microbiologist and

a specialist registrar in microbiology on the north

haematology spanned iron metabolism, iron

and, after obtaining his FRCS Ed, a lecturer and

anatomist (b 1924; q

west rotation. But soon after taking up his post his

deficiency and diseases of iron overload, B12 and

honorary senior registrar at the University of

Oxford 1949), died 1

health rapidly deteriorated.

folate metabolism (her gold medal MD thesis was

Liverpool.

November 2003.

on megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy) and Graham Robertson

thereby caeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease

In 1979 he was appointed consultant

After house jobs he was

Former general

and liver disease. In the malignant blood diseases,

ophthalmologist to Singleton Hospital Swansea and

appointed lecturer in

practitioner Bournemouth

she was a leading member of the early MRC trials

medicine and physiology

(b 1926; q Oxford 1949;

to compare different chemotherapeutic approaches

FRCGP), d 21 July 2004.

in the acute and chronic leukaemias, myeloma,

Neath General Hospital, South Wales, and was greatly welcomed by his medical colleagues as the

at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, in 1952, becoming

first of a team of modern ophthalmologists. He was

a fellow in 1960. In addition to undergraduate

instrumental in introducing and supporting the

teaching, David developed an interest in laboratory

Graham Robertson joined

her expertise, drive and intelligence were practiced

development of argon laser treatment for diabetic

aspects of leprosy, working on the associated

his uncle in general

very much within the framework of general internal

retinopathy, micro eye surgery with lens

peripheral nerve changes and on techniques for

practice in Bournemouth

medicine where the breadth of her knowledge was

implantation, and ultrasonic investigation of eye

culturing Mycobacterium leprae. Teaching in Oxford

in 1953, after national service and an assistantship

disease. He was particularly responsible for the

alternated with periods of field work in Nigeria. He

in Port Talbot. He retired in 1986 at the age of 60,

planning of the eye clinic and services at the new

moved to Cambridge in 1969 and worked in the

but within four years had a stroke that virtually

Sheila Callender came to Oxford from St Andrews

Neath outpatient service in 1984. A tall, courteous

department of anatomy for six years, retiring in

confined him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

and Dundee as the equivalent of the SHO to the

man with twinkling eyes, he was popular with his

1975. An international oarsman, he was also a

Despite this he carried on with his meticulous

NDM in 1942, four years or so after it had been

staff, and was particularly helpful to his junior

notable gardener. He leaves a wife, Penelope.

watercolour painting and active membership of the

established under the leadership of the first

Hodgkins Disease end the lymphomas. But all of

truly phenomenal.

Bournemouth and Poole Medical Society until a few

Nuffield Professor of Medicine, L J Witts. She was

Gareth David Rhys

months of his death. He leaves his second wife,

on the house (there were just three housemen in

His career unfortunately was cut short when he

Jeremiah

Eléne, and three children by his first wife, Jean, who

medicine at the time in the Radcliffe Infirmary)

suffered an acute myocardial infarction with cardiac

Specialist registrar in

also survives him.

when penicillin was first administered to a patient,

arrest in 1986, and, because of continuing cardiac

microbiology north west

ill health, he retired in 1988.

rotation (b London 1974;

Sheila Callender

research registrar) was one D A K Black, later

colleagues in advancing their careers.

and one of her immediate seniors (a sort of

q Oxford/London 1998;

Tribute to Dr Sheila

President of the Royal College of Physicians, who I

Always positive, he made the most of his

BA), died from

Callender, MD St Andrews,

believe was very protective and very fond of

retirement, studying for a law degree and

complications of cystic

D.Sc Oxon, FRCP,

her.Then after the war finished she helped to lay

continuing his interest in the arts, in particular

fibrosis on 5 January

Consultant Physician and

the foundations of the success of the NDM with

Clinical Reader in

John Badenoch, Sidney Truelove and later Donald

Medicine, one time May

Acheson where real evidence based medicine was

music—he had earlier built a clavichord, and took up

2004.

learning the church organ.

Gareth was diagnosed as having cystic fibrosis at the

Reader and Fellow of

born. Later, as a consultant, her juniors knew they

He was very much a family man, marrying Valerie

age of five months. He was the first student with

Wolfson College.

had to really know there patients and have clear

Jane Walker in 1965, and is survived by his wife and

cystic fibrosis to read medicine at Balliol College,

three sons, Austen, Duncan, and Marcus. [G M

Oxford. After pre-registration posts at Guy's Hospital,

I was one of very many aspiring young physicians

case presentations could be pretty tense affairs!)

Jeremiah]

London, and Furness General Hospital he was

who passed through the junior ranks of the Nuffield

but, always, she set a superb example in the care

appointed a senior house officer in clinical

Department of Medicine in the late fifties and

of patients, many of whom were young and facing

microbiology at North Manchester General Hospital.

sixties who carry an enormous debt to Dr Sheila

difficult diseases, and their families.

Despite increasing ill health, the need for twice daily

Callender who died at the age of 90 in August this

physiotherapy, insulin treatment, and increasingly

year. Her field was haematology, though she

On retirement in 1980 Sheila started a second

frequent courses of intravenous antibiotics, Gareth

described herself, correctly, as a general physician.

successful career, breeding showing and judging

remained cheerful, determined, and enthusiastic

evidence backed ideas on management (those NDM

English Mastiffs, utterly terrifying dogs, which she

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New buildings continued well into her eighties. She leaves her

The Richard Doll Building

husband, Ivan Monostori, who came to Oxford as a

Which houses the CTSU, Epidemiological Studies,

refugee from Hungary, and who over nearly 50

Cancer Research Epidemiology, and the Dept. of

years of marriage gave her unfailing support and

Public Health and Primary Care (£22 million) on the

shared her interest in the English Mastiff.

Old Road site in Headington is due for hand-over in November and currently is on-time and in-budget,

Frederick Leonard

both of which are all too rare events of the last few

Richardson

years.

Former associate professor of paediatrics

The division has been asked to outline for the

Johns Hopkins Medical

central university its broad priorities for SRIF3

School, Baltimore,

funding. It is likely that the next national call will

Maryland, United States

be in the autumn of 2004. New build is very

(b 1926; q Birmingham

The new buildings programme at Oxford

unlikely to be allowable (except under very

1950; MD, FRCP, FRACP),

continues apace.

restricted conditions). The divisional Planning and

died in a car crash on 5 March 2004 while being

The current capital programme is about £106

Resource Allocation Committee has therefore

trained to drive a vehicle with handicap controls.

million. 5 new buildings were opened in 2003-4

identified several refurbishment and equipment

and a further 3 new buildings are to be opened in

needs:

Fred contracted poliomyelitis in his final year at

2005. The new buildings include:

medical school. After studying paediatrics at Oxford

Research infrastructure for the Division’s South

and Great Ormond Street, in 1957 he obtained an

Henry Wellcome Building of Molecular Physiology

Headington sites;

appointment at Johns Hopkins, where his interest in

which was handed over in June 2004 and the Henry

◆

Proteomics facilities;

handicapped children developed further. Ten years

Wellcome Building of Infectious Particle Imaging

◆

Extension of animal holding facilities.

later he obtained the funding for, and was

(£16 million) which is due to be handed over in the

◆

Refurbishment of existing buildings at £3m are

appointed the first director of, the John F Kennedy

autumn of 2004.

planned in Psychiatry, Surgery, Anatomy and Genetics

Institute for the Rehabilitation of Children in Baltimore. Later he obtained the funding for, and became the first director of, the Mailman Centre for

Future plans include an estimated £50m Cancer

Childhood Development in the University of Miami.

Research Centre adjacent to the £85m NHS Cancer

He leaves his second wife, Virginia; two children;

Treatment Centre and fund raising for the Research

two stepchildren; and six grandchildren.

Centre starts soon.

The University has submitted two proposals for

Oxford Medical Alumni records with sadness

Centres for Teaching and Learning in the current

the names of other colleagues and alumni

round of national bidding. One of these is the

who have recently died.

Medical Sciences Division’s bid, led by Dr. Tim Lancaster, and would be worth £1m/year for support for teaching. There is quiet optimism.

Dr Jean Ginsburg Mr Derek JN Johnson Dr Kenneth Lakin Dr John Macbeth

Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function (£15million)

If you would like to contribute an obituary please

The official opening of the Henry Wellcome Building

contact Jayne Todd at Oxford Medical Alumni.

of Gene Function was performed on 8th September 2004 by the guest of honour, James Watson.

The Extension to the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (£11 million) This building is due for completion in October/November 2004

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forthcoming events

April 27 April 2005: Oxford Osler Lecture "Will Genomics change Oslerian medicine?" To be given by Regius Professor of Medicine John Bell. 6pm at the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre in South Parks Road, Oxford. Invitations will be issued. Followed by a celebratory dinner at Rhodes House.

22 and 23 July 2005: Oxford University Society Annual Meeting This year focuses on Oxford Medicine 23 September 2005: OMA Grand Reception University Museum 24 September 2005: Oxford Medical Alumni Annual Scientific Meeting Celebrating Osler. Lecture Theatre, John Radcliffe Hospital 24 September 2005: OMA Grand Reunion Dinner To be held at Christ Church College April 2006: The biannual North American Reunion Will be held at the Waldorff Astoria, New York. Dates to be confirmed 26 April 2006: Oxford Osler Lecture To be given by Professor Christine A. Lee, Professor of Haemophilia and Director and Consultant Haematologist at the Royal Free Hospital. 6pm at the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre in South Parks Road, Oxford. Invitations will be issued. Followed by a celebratory dinner at Rhodes House.

15 September 2006: OMA Grand Reception University Museum 16 September 2006: Oxford Medical Alumni Annual Scientific Meeting To be held at the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre in South Parks Road, Oxford 16 September 2006: OMA Grand Reunion Dinner To be held at Pembroke College 25 April 2007: Oxford Osler Lecture Will be given at 6pm at the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre in South Parks Road, Oxford. Speaker to be confirmed. Invitations will be issued. Followed by a celebratory dinner at Rhodes House.

28 September 2007: OMA Grand Reception University Museum 29 September 2007: Oxford Medical Alumni Annual Scientific Meeting To be held at the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre in South Parks Road, Oxford 29 September 2007: OMA Grand Reunion Dinner To be held at College