In-Memoriam: Jeffrey O'Riordan

[Lauren Taggart]

ASBMR is saddened by the passing of a long-time member Jeffrey L. H. O’Riordan, Emeritus Professor of Metabolic Diseases at University College London. Dr. O’Riordan, a physician at the London’s Middlesex Hospital for over 30 years, established a world-class research program in PTH, vitamin D and mineral metabolism. His contributions to human disease were especially notable. He was an innovator in clinical assay development, which enabled definitive studies of the metabolic disturbances in patients with parathyroid disease and dysregulated vitamin D metabolism. His later work was instrumental in identification of PHEX gene mutations in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. Dr. O’Riordan trained a host of clinical and basic researchers, many of whom are now international leaders in the field of bone and mineral research. One of his trainees commented “JLH was committed to human research and to educating his students in clinical medicine; he was “translational” before this word became popular”. Dr. O’Riordan was an enthusiastic and generous collaborator whose home in central London became a meeting place for scientists as they crossed the globe. To share a kind thought or memory of Dr. O’Riordan, please use the space below, or leave a donation in his memory.

[Guest Martin Hewison]

As my postdoctoral mentor Jeffrey had a huge impact on my life and career. I learned a lot from the man we all referred to as JO'R. He introduced me to vitamin D, and he was never afraid to take risks with projects. Perhaps more importantly he taught his team members the value of the research 'family'. We were a close-knit team who often interacted with his own family, and Jeffrey’s worldwide connections provided many opportunities to meet with other researchers in the bone and mineral field. I had nine very happy years working with Jeffrey at the Middlesex Hospital, and I offer my commiserations to Sally and the rest of the O’Riordan family at this sad time. Martin Hewison (Birmingham).