IBMS BoneKEy | News

Mourning the passing of A Michael Parfitt

Stavros C Manolagas



DOI:10.1038/bonekey.2015.86

A tribute to the life and work of Michael Parfitt

A Michael Parfitt, MD, graduated in preclinical sciences from the University of Cambridge and in clinical medicine from King’s College Hospital Medical School in the University of London. From 1962 until 1971, he was senior lecturer in medicine at the University of Queensland, Australia and from 1971 until 1995, he was chief of bone and mineral research at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

In 1995, Dr Parfitt joined the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases in the Department of Medicine at UAMS where he served as a Professor until 2005 and Emeritus Professor until his passing. Dr Parfitt contributed 325 full-length papers and 43 book chapters to the scientific literature. His work in bone and mineral metabolism had a unique and monumental impact on the field around the globe. In recognition of his major contributions, the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research awarded him in 1997 the Frederic C. Bartter Award that is given in recognition of outstanding clinical investigation in disorders of bone and mineral metabolism; and in 2010 the William F. Neuman Award, the oldest and most prestigious award of the society, that recognizes outstanding and major scientific contributions in the area of bone and mineral research and for contributions to associates and trainees in teaching, research and administration. Among other recognitions, he became the honorary president of the International Society of Bone Morphometry in 1999.

Dr Parfitt passed away on 18 May 2015 in his home at Hot Springs, surrounded by his loving wife, Elaine, also an MD, from King’s College in London and the rest of his family. In addition to Elaine, he is survived by his three children Caroline, Nigel and Jeremy, five grandchildren Jennifer, Samantha, Louis, Brian and Michael, and a great granddaughter, Kayden.


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