George W. Thorn
George W. Thorn (January 15, 1906 - June 26, 2004) was an American physician whose contributions lead to new treatments of kidney diseases and adrenal gland disorders, most notably Addison's disease.[1][2] Thorn was Chief of Medicine at Boston’s Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, presently known as Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Thorn pioneered the use of cortisone for treating Addison’s disease,[2] and devised an early test for this disease, now known as the Thorn test.[1] His research of cortisone and ACTH led to new treatments of other diseases such as hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.[1]
He participated in the first successful kidney transplant in the 1950s.[2] Thorn was a founding editor and editor-in-chief of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.[2] He was a professor at Harvard Medical School, and held a number of other teaching positions at other schools.[1]
Personal life
Thorn was born in Buffalo, New York on January 15, 1906. He received his M.D. from University of Buffalo on 1929.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Krug, Nora (July 18, 2004). "George Thorn, 98, Pioneer In Addison's Disease, Dies". The New York Times. Retrieved February 22, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "In Memoriam George W. Thorn, 1906-2004" (Press release). Howard Hughes Medical Institute. July 1, 2004. Retrieved February 22, 2012.