Noted Hematologist, Landsteiner Winner Dies at Age 80
A noted hematologist who worked for nearly 60 years to advance the science and clinical practice in transfusion medicine and genetics died Sunday at the age of 80.
Ernest Beutler, MD, professor and chairman of the department of molecular and experimental medicine at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif., contributed to significant advances in the field of blood preservation; a better understanding of Gaucher and Tay-Sachs disease; and new therapies for leukemia, including marrow transplantation in acute leukemia and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine in lymphoid malignancies. In addition, he served as the longtime editor of Williams Hematology, a widely used text in his medical specialty, and developed the well-known computer software program Reference Manager. His interests extended to every aspect of blood research, including the study of hemolytic anemias, iron metabolism, sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies, glycolipid storage diseases, and leukemias and lymphomas.
Beutler had been selected as this year’s recipient of AABB’s most prestigious award, the Karl Landsteiner Memorial Award and Lectureship. His son, Bruce Beutler, MD, professor and chairman of the department of genetics at The Scripps Research Institute, was originally scheduled to deliver the lecture today on his father’s behalf.
In addition to his significant professional achievements, Ernest Beutler was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, according to his son. The family has requested that any contributions in his memory be made to the American Society of Hematology’s ASH Scholar Awards Program.
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