Jean Donald Wilson

Endocrinologist and revered clinician scientist. He was born in Wellington TX, USA, on Aug 26, 1932, died Dallas June 13, 2021, aged 88 years. Professor Jean Wilson is best known as the endocrinologist whose research led to understanding treatment of prostatic pathology. But when his friend Joseph Goldstein, a colleague at University Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, presented with 1999 George M Kober Medal, this not how he began accompanying lecture. Nobel Prize winner Chair Department Molecular Genetics, instead described “a naturalist”. explained that much Wilson's early had featured bewildering variety animals. The outcome these biological labours only an insight into mechanisms involved sexual differentiation, but also explanation for rare disorder male development more common condition, benign hyperplasia. Drawn originally medical missionary work, studied UT School. By time graduated 1955, switched ambitions from mission field laboratory. And nephrologist Donald Seldin, Southwestern's Internal Medicine, found ideal mentor. “Seldin maestro who would always somehow bring in…pathophysiology explain things”, says Goldstein. “Research be brought lectures students.” Seldin's enthusiasm science struck chord Wilson. “He inspired by Seldin”, cardiologist Eugene Braunwald later chair Medicine Brigham Women's Hospital Boston, MA, USA. Seldin recognised potential, adds. “Jean one few worked own laboratory while still student.” In 1960, after 2 years Sidney Udenfriend's Laboratory Clinical Biochemistry what now National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute Institutes Health (NIH) Bethesda, MD, returned Southwestern, where 1968 became full professor. It during period build scientific reputation, becoming Goldstein calls real scholar androgen biochemistry physiology”. colleagues prostate converts testosterone dihydrotestosterone, potent responsible maturation, excess dihydrotestosterone causes Of great clinical significance further discovery 5-alpha-reductase, enzyme testosterone's conversion. Its chemical inhibition basis family drugs Although dominated career, it wasn’t sole concern. Earlier cholesterol, showed intestine made cholesterol. Prior thought liver major site.” “Wilson excelled teacher well investigator”, first got know both were working NIH. editor-in-chief Harrison's Principles chose editor endocrinology section. did good job”, Braunwald, “because quality person could recognise quality”. eventually resigned, citing describes “curious reason”: belief textbook become insufficiently focused basic opposed practicality. A clue stance lies Goldstein's description scholar. too uses term: old school”, says. delve problems. understood their history, knew other people [already] done, needed done next…he problems detail broad outlook.” equally knowledgeable about opera, which said have attended than 800 performances. None suggest Wilson, held Charles Cameron Sprague Distinguished Biomedical Research until retired 2011, remote everyday reality. talk running diabetic clinic. “Wilson, professor, world renowned, hands knees, sure feet…particularly socially economically deprived, kept clean healthy”, Braunwald. “A man.” survived niece, Peggy White, nephew-in-law, Richard White.