3 minute read
In Memoriam
Dr. John Paul LockAugust 1, 1946 - July 21, 2024WDMS member since May 28, 1978
Paul Lock, MD passed away on July 21, 2024, at his home in Paxton surrounded by his family including his three children. His wife, Gail, had predeceased him in 2022. Paul was born in Worcester and graduated from David Prouty High School in Spencer in 1968 and was awarded the School’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018. Following high school, he matriculated at Assumption College from which he graduated in 1968 followed by completion of medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1972. His training in internal medicine at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester was followed by a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Following the completion of his medical training, he returned to Worcester, Massachusetts to become an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the division of Endocrinology at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine. In addition to his teaching and patient care responsibilities, he authored more than 60 medical publications and participated in more than 75 clinical research studies related to the evaluation and management of diabetes.
I was privileged and fortunate enough to have Paul invite me to join his private medical practice located in the old City Hospital building in 2000. It was an exciting time for clinical research in diabetes. Down the hall from our office, Charlie Birbara, MD was performing his own research in rheumatology. Our practice relocated to the Park View Tower Building on Park Avenue where we continued until 2010 when Paul accepted a full-time position at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine in the division of Endocrinology.
I remember Paul fondly as a mentor, teacher, and friend. Paul was generous with his time and I was a welcome recipient of his knowledge. Our office was a hotbed of activity for clinical research with multiple pharmaceutical companies. One of Paul’s most exciting projects was the non-invasive measurement of serum glucose via the Glucowatch which was later featured in the movie Panic Room starring Jody Foster. The Glucowatch never achieved commercial success but was a critical step in the path to today’s non-invasive glucose monitors.
Paul had a voracious appetite for hard work but, when he was not in the office or hospital, he enjoyed his vacation home on Martha’s Vineyard with his family and friends. His zest for life was complemented by his love of good food and wine as well as classical literature. He will be missed.
