In memoriam: Shaul G. Massry

Shaul G. Massry, MD, a pioneer in nephrology and medicine professor emeritus of medicine, physiology biophysics at the Keck School Medicine, University Southern California (USC), died on April 11, 2023. He was 92 years old. With his passing, world biology, lost preeminent, charismatic, creative, visionary leader. born November 30, 1930, Basra, Iraq, to Gourgi Aliza as eldest their 3 children. Shaul’s father when only 4 As an adult, he remembered, that tender age, reciting Kaddish prayer for father. encouraged by mother, herself known her tenacity resilience, act “the man house.” These early, harsh experiences were almost certainly instrumental forging personality assertive, resourceful, ambitious, dominant problem solver became. began medical school Baghdad, but life became more difficult after creation state Israel, moved Israel 1950, entered Hebrew Hadassah Medical School, graduated 1955, then did internship residency training Beilinson Center. served physician 6 medically underserved area Sodom Dead Sea later Negev desert. In addition providing care local residents, embarked extensive series research studies concerning physiological response heat, particularly effect hot desert environment blood composition, excretion solutes, cardiac physiology, lung function, exercise adaption. form part basis our current understanding heat physiology. It met married wife, Meira. After completing service, came United States 1965 2-year fellowship with 2 legendary founders nephrology. The first year spent George Schreiner Georgetown Center Washington, DC, second Charles Kleeman Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles, CA, Advanced Research Fellow Renal Electrolyte Metabolism. quickly demonstrated exceptional aptitude explore complex matters penetrating questions designed be answered straightforward protocols. This soon qualified him Established Investigatorship American Heart Association. focused mineral electrolyte metabolism uremia gradually evolved into divalent ion metabolism, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone changes course kidney failure. collaborators contributed greatly knowledge this field catapulted international recognition. At time intense search uremic poisons, promoted concept and, than anyone, provided evidence excess important toxin. Throughout investigative endeavor, remained abreast developments adapted what clearance balance studies, first-class cellular biochemical science, including derangements cytosolic calcium support toxicity. From 1974 1999, Chief Division Nephrology USC. While continuing laboratory animal-based also large translational, clinical investigations helped define several novel conditions cause disease complications affect individuals disease. Over span 60-year career, published about 800 articles scientific journals books. author or coeditor >30 symposia, proceedings, books, renowned Textbook Nephrology, which coedited Richard Glassock. early 1980s, established journals, one which, Journal continues flourish. His activities made division USC center excellence attracted highly talented trainees scientists from throughout many countries. A video interview career International Society legacy program is available https://youtu.be/DM24ZclHWoo. expertise science high productivity team brought renown led numerous invited lectures professional societies universities world. result charm affability genuine concern well-being other people, careers not own associates academicians formative when, prominent nephrologist, assumed leadership guidance educational budding nephrologists both developing developed parts world, countries Eastern Western Europe, Asia, North South America. effectiveness helping people strongly enhanced compassion unusual ability assess situation needs respond them. Many professors credit substantial success collaboration Shaul. played central role meetings. Recognition unusually creative productive contributions scientist, teacher, collaborator, friend, advisor receiving prestigious awards, include 14 honorary doctorate degrees, 11 selections membership foreign societies, 7 elections academies colleges physicians, innumerable awards prizes academic societies. elected president National Kidney Foundation (United States), Biochemistry Metabolism, Nutrition Association History Uremic Toxicity. advisory committees Institutes Health Veterans Administration grant study sessions. One impressive talents strong, enduring friendships. genuinely interested friends colleagues often expended effort promote development colleagues. Even young applicants who had declined accept offer join would find themselves recipients generosity. Physicians professors, old, recount how figure them, they repeatedly turn personal advice reassurance. last life, telephone contact around favorite sayings “Life good,” went qualify “and are its perfumes.” authors article have been fortunate beneficiaries invaluable trait line focus tradition reached age 65 years, created Meira G Massry Foundation. foundation has functions. grants Prize, awarded fundamental discoveries biology medicine. impact these can ascertained fact 26 awarded, Prize become internationally recognized sponsors annual visiting professorship greater Angeles provides fellowships students Much attributable wife 62 Meira, managed home nurtured children high-functioning adults (2 attorneys) while worked late night traveled delivering organizing programs. considered himself extraordinarily so much joy work. joked paid hobby. interests family, friends, all consuming. enjoyed them up death. Medicine sophisticated, closer knit, advanced today because Innumerable people—including academicians, patients—now live better richer lives little less colorful poorer no longer us. All declared competing interests.