David Rimoin

David Rimoin
Born	November 9, 1936 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died	May 27, 2012(2012-05-27) (aged 75) Los Angeles, California, United States
Nationality	Canadian
Alma mater	McGill University, Johns Hopkins University
Known for	Research in skeletal dysplasias and genetic disorders
Scientific career
Fields	Medical genetics, Pediatrics
Institutions	Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles

David L. Rimoin (November 9, 1936 – May 27, 2012) was a Canadian-American medical geneticist renowned for his pioneering research in the field of skeletal dysplasias and other genetic disorders. He was a prominent figure in the development of medical genetics as a clinical and academic discipline.

Early Life and Education

David Rimoin was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He completed his undergraduate studies at McGill University in Montreal, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then pursued his medical degree at McGill University Faculty of Medicine, graduating in 1961. Rimoin continued his training in internal medicine and pediatrics at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal.

Rimoin moved to the United States for further training, completing a fellowship in endocrinology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. It was during this time that he developed an interest in genetics and began his groundbreaking work in the field.

Career

David Rimoin held several academic and clinical positions throughout his career. He was a professor of pediatrics and medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he also served as the director of the Genetics Clinic.

In 1986, Rimoin joined the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he established the Medical Genetics Institute. Under his leadership, the institute became a leading center for research and treatment of genetic disorders. Rimoin's work focused on the study of skeletal dysplasias, a group of disorders characterized by abnormalities in bone and cartilage growth. His research contributed significantly to the understanding and diagnosis of these conditions.

Contributions to Medical Genetics

David Rimoin was a pioneer in the field of medical genetics. He was instrumental in the development of genetic counseling and the establishment of genetic screening programs. Rimoin's research on skeletal dysplasias led to the identification of several new disorders and the elucidation of their genetic basis.

Rimoin was also a co-editor of the seminal textbook "Principles and Practice of Medical Genetics," which is widely used in the field. His contributions to medical genetics have had a lasting impact on the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders.

Personal Life

David Rimoin was married and had three children. He passed away on May 27, 2012, in Los Angeles, California, due to pancreatic cancer.

Legacy

David Rimoin's work has left a lasting legacy in the field of medical genetics. His research and clinical contributions have improved the lives of countless patients with genetic disorders. The Medical Genetics Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center continues to be a leading center for research and treatment in the field, carrying on Rimoin's mission to advance the understanding of genetic disorders.

See Also

• Medical genetics
• Skeletal dysplasia
• Genetic counseling
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• University of California, Los Angeles