Donald Metcalf
Donald Metcalf (26 February 1929 – 15 December 2014) was an Australian medical researcher who is best known for his pioneering work in the field of hematology. His research significantly advanced the understanding of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), which are crucial for the regulation of blood cell production.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Donald Metcalf was born in Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia. He attended Scotch College, Melbourne and later studied at the University of Melbourne, where he earned his medical degree in 1953.
Career[edit | edit source]
Metcalf began his career at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, where he would spend the majority of his professional life. His early work focused on the regulation of blood cell production, leading to the discovery of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs).
Discovery of Colony-Stimulating Factors[edit | edit source]
In the 1960s, Metcalf and his colleagues identified and characterized CSFs, which are glycoproteins that stimulate the production and differentiation of white blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells. This discovery was pivotal in the development of treatments for various blood disorders, including leukemia and neutropenia.
Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]
Donald Metcalf received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:
- The Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1993
- The Royal Medal of the Royal Society in 1995
- The Copley Medal in 2000
He was also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and a Foreign Member of the Royal Society.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Metcalf's work has had a lasting impact on the field of hematology and the treatment of blood-related diseases. His research on CSFs has led to the development of drugs that are used worldwide to treat patients undergoing chemotherapy and those with bone marrow disorders.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Donald Metcalf was married to Joan Metcalf, and they had three children. He passed away on 15 December 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Hematology
- Colony-stimulating factor
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
- Leukemia
- Neutropenia
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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