In Memoriam: Claude D. Arnaud, M.D.

[Guest Jessica Baumgartner]

We are saddened to announce the passing of ASBMR member Claude D. Arnaud, M.D. He was a founding member of the ASBMR, its third president and past recipient of the ASBMR William F. Neuman Award, its most prestigious award.

 

Dr. Arnaud was internationally recognized for his research in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrp) and published more than 200 scientific papers during his 30 year career in bone research. After being a faculty member of the Endocrine Research Unit at Mayo Clinic, he came to San Francisco in 1977 to be the founding Chief of the Endocrine Research Unit of the San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and Chief of the Endocrine Section at the San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He had a highly productive career as a clinical and basic investigator; mentor to countless fellows, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty members; and physician in the practice of endocrinology and metabolic bone disease.

 

Information about upcoming arrangements will be shared with Society members as soon as they are known. We extend our condolences to Dr. Arnaud’s family at this time of loss. We invite you to leave a note or share a memory below.

[Guest Guest]

I lately became aware of Dr. Claude Arnauds’ passing, and although not surprised I was nevertheless shocked by the news. I had recently been in touch with his devoted wife Deborah and knew the end was imminent. Nevertheless, I was greatly saddened not to be able to speak to Claude one last time, and hoped his death was gentle and painless.

I first came to know Claude as my wife’s physician after an acquaintance recommended him some 20 years ago. In those days, we would travel to San Francisco to see him in his incredibly compact office on the UCSF campus. What I did not know at that time was that Claude was an internationally recognized expert in the field of bone metabolism. Certainly his modest and humble demeanor gave no hint of his incredible depth of knowledge and expertise. I still remember his patience, compassion and kindness as he attempted to guide us through the labyrinthine and bewildering field of Osteoporosis.

Over the years, we made many trips to San Francisco, and as a result I came to know Claude as a dear friend. He slowly introduced me to the science of bone, and never ceased to amaze me with his breath and depth of knowledge. His concepts and views regarding the mysteries of bone metabolism were both simultaneously intriguing and stimulating. Although I had been an Orthopaedic Surgeon for over 30 years, I came to realize that I knew very little of the essence of my intense professional focus. His patience and tolerance for my naiveté still amazes me today. He somehow managed to span the divide between the science and art of medicine. We would often go to conferences together where I was always astonished by the number of former students who would greet him with great affection, and invariably thank him for starting them on their investigative paths. While many years had passed, he remained their teacher and champion. It is thought-provoking to contemplate how many novel and exciting discoveries were the result of the seeds that were planted and nourished by his encouragement and wise counsel

The medical community has lost a great scientist, collaborator and remarkable physician. I have lost a great friend, mentor and colleague. Surely the world has and will be a far better place for his continuing gifts. RIP.

 

Stephen J. Gomberg

Thousand Oaks, CA

 

I lately became aware of Dr. Claude Arnauds’ passing, and although not surprised I was nevertheless shocked by the news. I had recently been in touch with his devoted wife Deborah and knew the end was imminent. Nevertheless, I was greatly saddened not to be able to speak to Claude one last time, and hoped his death was gentle and painless.

I first came to know Claude as my wife’s physician after an acquaintance recommended him some 20 years ago. In those days, we would travel to San Francisco to see him in his incredibly crowded office on the UCSF campus. What I did not know at that time was that Claude was an internationally recognized expert in the field of bone metabolism. Certainly his modest and humble demeanor gave no hint of his incredible depth of knowledge and expertise. I still remember his patience, compassion and kindness as he attempted to guide us through the labyrinthine and bewildering field of Osteoporosis.

Over the years, we made many trips to San Francisco, and as a result I came to know Claude as a dear friend. He slowly introduced me to the science of bone, and never ceased to amaze me with his breath and depth of knowledge. His concepts and views regarding the mysteries of bone metabolism was both simultaneously intriguing and stimulating. Although I had been an Orthopaedic Surgeon for over 30 years, I came to realize that I knew very little of the essence of my intense professional focus. His patience and tolerance for my naiveté still amazes me today. He somehow managed to span the divide between the science and art of medicine. We would often go to conferences together where I was always astonished by the number of former students who would greet him with great affection, and invariably thank him for starting them on their investigative paths. While many years had passed, he remained their teacher and champion. It is thought-provoking to contemplate how many novel and exciting discoveries were the result of the seeds that were planted and nourished by his encouragement and wise counsel

The medical community has lost a great scientist, collaborator and remarkable physician. I have lost a great friend, mentor and colleague. Surely the world has and will be a far better place for his continuing gifts. RIP.

 

Stephen J. Gomberg

Thousand Oaks, CA

[Guest Paula H Stern]

Claude contributed greatly to our understanding of the endocrinology of calcium metabolism, provided significant service to ASBMR and was a good colleague to us in the bone field. We will miss him.

 

Paula Stern

Chicago, IL

[Guest hank Donahue]

Sad news indeed. Claude made huge contributions to the field. I did post-doc with Hunter Heath who in turn trained with Claude. Therefore, I knew Claude and had the pleasure of talking science with him on several occasions. He was always encouraging of young scientists and a pleasure to be around.

 

Hank Donahue

Richmond, VA

[Guest Hector F. DeLuca]

My association with Claude began when he worked as a postdoctorate with Howard Rasmussen at the University of Wisconsin. It was always a pleasure to work with Claude over the years at many levels as well as some wonderful times based on his great sense of humor. We will miss him.

 

Hector F. DeLuca

Emeritus Professor

University of Wisconsin-Madison

[Guest Francis Glorieux]

Claude guided me through the setting of the PTH assay in my new lab. He was a great mentor and became a close friend. Without him I would not have been able to quickly organize my clinical reswearch program. Staying in his house in Rochester and then in Sausalito will remain a cherished memory. Thank you, Claude

[Guest Lani Simpson]

Claude was a giant of a man in all ways and most of all, his kind and compassionate nature. He was a wonderful mentor for me. I remember his tiny office at UCSF. I was fortunate enough to observe him with patients. He took his time, asking questions and getting the history needed to sort out complicated bone disorders. I was fortunate to learn early on about parathyroid disease and I have been able to diagnose people in the early stages of primary hyperparathyroidism thanks to Claude.

 

I owe him so much and I am sorry that I did not get up to see him in the months before he passed.

 

Lani Simpson

Berkeley, CA

[Guest Catharine Kibira]

I was referred to Dr. Arnaud late in his career and saw him at his beautiful home on the bay. He was a skilled clinician who was able to help ensure that I would walk normally again. He was so compassionate and generous. I will never forget the loving care he gave me.